No needles, no drops: Biophta tackles blindness risks with a 7-Day gel tablet

Approximately 1 billion patients have lost sight due to ocular diseases, even though multiple treatments exist.

Half of the patients find it hard to keep up with their eye treatments, resulting in millions losing their vision each year.

The effectiveness of solutions like eye drops, gels, and ointments for front-of-the-eye conditions highly depends on how well patients apply and use them.

Eye drops, in particular, have a very low absorption rate—less than 5%—which requires patients with chronic conditions like glaucoma to apply them daily, often for life. This low absorption also limits the use of eye drops for treating back-of-the-eye conditions.

Retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) need invasive intraocular injections with the help of ophthalmologists. Taking these injections multiple times a year is painful and causes stress for patients.

As Eye drug delivery methods have not advanced much, commitment to long-term, painful eye treatments remains a challenge, resulting in millions of people losing their sight each year despite the availability of effective medications.

Biophta, a startup at the merger of Biotech and Ophthalmology, addresses these eye-treatment challenges with its self-administered, bio-adhesive insert technology. Its small, non-invasive mini-tablet delivers continuous, low-dose medication over seven days. The treatment revolutionized front-of-eye and retinal treatments by combining efficacy with patient-friendly design.

We interviewed Biophata’s CEO, Jean Garrec, to understand the startup technology and its impact on patients with eye diseases.

This interview is part of our exclusive Scouted By GreyB Interview series. Here, we talk with innovative startups in multiple industries and showcase their technologies to the world. (Take a look at other startups scouted by GreyB!)

Author Note: While researching, we found startups enhancing drug delivery systems and making treatments less stressful for patients and healthcare professionals. Click on the link to learn more about them.

Want to know more about Biophata’s Technology and how it can increase the efficacy of eye treatment for diseases like Glaucoma?

Watch this exclusive conversation with Jean Garrec.

Overview: Biophata is revolutionizing ophthalmic treatment through innovative drug delivery

Biophta is an innovative biotech company dedicated to transforming eye care through advanced drug delivery technology. It aims to provide patients with more effective, convenient, and less invasive treatments. The startup has pioneered the development of a unique 7-day continuous microdosing ophthalmic insert. This small, bio-adhesive mini-tablet, which adheres comfortably to the eye surface, delivers a controlled and sustained release of medication. 

Powered by Biophta’s proprietary “thiomer” biopolymers platform, this technology promotes patient adherence and reduces the frequency of medicine doses/injections.

With its first human trials set to begin in 2025, Biophta aims to reshape treatment for glaucoma and other eye conditions, positioning itself as a leader in non-invasive, long-lasting eye care solutions.

Short on time? 

Here are key highlights from the discussion. 

Highlights of Conversation with Jean Garrec

1. Could you explain Biophta’s primary focus? Are you developing new treatments or delivery methods for ocular conditions?

Our journey began with the idea that eye drops, though widely used for 2,000 years, are outdated and often ineffective due to low patient adherence. Some companies use injectable implants for sustained drug release, but these are painful and invasive. We developed a small, bio-adhesive tablet that sticks to the eye and releases medication over a week, addressing conditions like diabetic macular edema and glaucoma.

2. Does this bio-adhesive technology impact eyesight while it’s on the eye?

No, it doesn’t affect eyesight. We place it on the white part of the eye under the eyelid, making it invisible and unnoticeable after an initial 10-minute adjustment period.

3. How do you address the common issue of patients not adhering to eye treatment schedules?

Non-adherence is well-documented in ophthalmology. Studies by Harvard’s David Friedman reveal that patients often overestimate their adherence to eye drop regimens. Our weekly insert reduces the frequency of treatment application, significantly improving adherence and treatment outcomes.

4. How do you anticipate the medical community will respond to this disruptive technology?

Acceptance varies by disease type. In glaucoma, doctors are eager for more efficient drug delivery, so there’s little resistance. However, with diseases currently managed by injections, like diabetic macular edema, some doctors might hesitate because they receive fees for injections. We’re focusing on glaucoma first to establish a foothold.

5. Could this polymer technology have applications outside ophthalmology?

Yes, it’s versatile. Companies have approached us about using it in osteoarthritis or veterinary medicine. While we’re currently focused on eye conditions, these areas could be future opportunities, potentially through licensing agreements.

6. How are you protecting Biophta’s intellectual property (IP)?

We have three patent families and a third-generation polymer that’s difficult to replicate, offering robust IP protection. IP is a dynamic process; each new application will bring additional patents, further protecting our technology.

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Meet our Interviewer – Vikas Jha, AVP, Solutions at GreyB

Take a look at other startups scouted by GreyB!

Authored By: Naveen Kumar, Marketing

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