VisiRose, a newly formed biotechnology company of Provectus Biopharmaceuticals and the University of Miami, has launched Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB PDAT), an investigational treatment for infectious keratitis and other severe eye infections. Developed by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI), the non-invasive therapy combines a formulation of Rose Bengal Sodium (RBS) with a light-based medical device. This approach targets eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, offering a potential solution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
RB PDAT presents a broad-spectrum ocular therapy designed to be safe, effective, and cost-efficient. Clinical trials conducted in the U.S., India, Brazil, and Mexico have indicated rapid infection resolution and improved patient outcomes. The therapy has shown promise in treating severe eye infections where traditional treatments have been unsuccessful.
Expert Perspectives
"RB PDAT is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment showing remarkable promise for patients with severe infectious keratitis. This innovative therapy harnesses the power of light to combat infection and offers new hope for preserving vision," said Jean-Marie Parel, Director and co-founder of the Ophthalmic Biophysics Center at BPEI.
Guillermo Amescua, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Medical Director of the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory at BPEI, emphasized the importance of VisiRose in translating RB PDAT from the laboratory to widespread clinical use, stating, "VisiRose is crucial for translating the innovation of RB PDAT from the laboratory to a widely accessible treatment, ultimately benefiting countless patients worldwide."
Clinical Data and Market Opportunity
In studies involving over 500 patients, RB PDAT has demonstrated promising results in treating severe eye infections that have not responded to conventional therapies. VisiRose is positioning itself to address a significant unmet need within the $60 billion global ophthalmic market, particularly in regions and populations affected by increasing AMR and limited access to effective treatments. The company aims to provide a targeted solution for patients facing vision loss due to infectious keratitis.
