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This abstract is assigned to session BGS: Belgian Glaucoma Society

Title

FRO: Microplasmin as an antiscarring agent for glaucoma surgery: Translation into clinical application

Purpose	Previously the effect of Microplasmin was investigated in vivo in a rabbit model for glaucoma surgery. The combination of anterior chamber injections and topical drops of Microplasmin improved surgical outcome in a rabbit model for trabeculectomy. The aqueous solution of Microplasmin used was not optimized for use as drops or injections. Microplasmin is an autocatalytic enzyme which has a short half life when it is brought in conditions of 37°C and physiological pH. Therefore there is need for a more stable and longer acting formulation of Microplasmin.
Methods	In the first part of the project we did pharmacological experiments to determine the rheological characterization of drug carriers and finally we checked the Microplasmin activity in the new obtained solutions by spectrophotometer. In the second part of the project we performed trabeculectomy in a rabbit model and administered the most qualified and optimized formulations. Postoperative clinical evaluation of intraocular pressure, filtration bleb area, conjunctival vascularity and anterior chamber assessment was performed and the eyes were immunohistological investigated for collagen and inflammation.
Results	Our previous data learned that the combination of anterior chamber injections and topical drops of Microplasmin improved surgical outcome in a rabbit model for trabeculectomy, despite the fact that the formulation of Microplasmin was not optimized for use as eye drops or injections.
Conclusion	In our proposed research project we tried to optimize the formulation of Microplasmin for extended drug delivery and hope to translate this novel antifibrotic adjunctive therapy into clinical application.

Author 1

Last name	VANDEWALLE
Initials	E
Department	KULeuven
City	Leuven

Author 2

Last name	VAN BERGEN
Initials	T
Department	KULeuven
City	Leuven

Author 3

Last name	MOONS
Initials	L
Department	KULeuven
City	Leuven

Author 4

Last name	STALMANS
Initials	I
Department	KULeuven
City	Leuven