View abstract

This abstract is assigned to session AOB Free Papers 1

Presentation type	Oral presentation
Title	Have we gone down a new road with Akantior® in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis?

Purpose	This case series evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of Akantior® (polyhexanide 0.08%) as a novel treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Methods	Four patients with confirmed Acanthamoeba keratitis were treated with Akantior® at the University Hospital Leuven between 2024-2025.
Results	Following treatment with Akantior®, two of the four patients showed complete remission of their infectious keratitis. The third patient discontinued therapy due to intolerance, with worsening symptoms reporting increased irritation and conjunctival hyperaemia. The fourth patient who was recently initiated on Akantior® is currently closely monitored.
Conclusion	The novel drug Akantior® (polyhexanide 0.08%) works through two mechanisms: it disrupts the outer membrane of the Acanthamoeba cell, causing cell death; while also damaging the genetic material, preventing replication. Previous research shows that polyhexanide 0.08% monotherapy is non-inferior, and potentially even superior, to currently used dual therapy (polyhexanide 0.02% plus propamidine). The commercial availability of Akantior® provides an important advantage over compounded formulations, moreover as polyhexanide is currently not available in Belgium as raw material. The validation of clinical results, together with pricing and potential reimbursement in Belgium, will determine whether Akantior® secures its long-term position in the field.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Initials	E
Last name	Verleyen
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Initials	H
Last name	Delbeke
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven