Preclinical Rabbit Study of a PDRN–DMPC Contact Lens for Corneal Repair and Dry Eye

Overview

A preclinical study in rabbits evaluated a contact lens co-delivering polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and the tear-film lipid mimic DMPC. Compared with a control lens, the combination lens was associated with faster corneal epithelial closure and improved tear-film measures in models of corneal injury and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-induced dry eye. The study was short, animal-based, and did not isolate the effects of the drug components from those of the lens.

Background

Corneal epithelial injury and tear-film instability are distinct ocular-surface problems that can occur together. The experimental lens was designed to deliver PDRN, described as having regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, alongside DMPC, a phospholipid intended to mimic components of the tear-film lipid layer. The study tested this combined approach in rabbit models of epithelial wounding and MGD-induced dry eye. The supplied DEWS III context describes a subtype-directed approach to dry-eye diagnosis and management, including targeted care for MGD.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• In the rabbit wound model, residual epithelial defect area on the afternoon of day 2 was 0.37% with the PDRN+DMPC lens and 4.46% with the control lens; both groups were close to complete re-epithelialization by the following morning.
• At day 3, regenerated epithelium was thicker in treated eyes than control eyes (28.33 μm versus 14.82 μm).
• The wound-model treatment was accompanied by reduced expression of inflammatory and matrix-remodeling genes; the authors proposed that this effect, together with PDRN-mediated regeneration, may support corneal repair.
• In the MGD-induced dry-eye model, TBUT increased from approximately 3.5 seconds at baseline to 15.1 seconds by day 7 with the combination lens, compared with 8.0 seconds with the control lens. Tear osmolarity was significantly lower at several time points, and histology showed fewer desquamated epithelial cells in treated eyes.
• In the dry-eye model, epithelial differentiation and tight-junction-related gene expression appeared preserved. MUC5AC expression and conjunctival goblet cells were preserved, while MUC1 and MUC16 were reduced; the authors interpreted this pattern as possible normalization of inflammation-associated mucin signaling.
• Study limitations reported by the authors include short duration, animal models, nonrandomized eye allocation, and inability to distinguish the individual contributions of PDRN, DMPC, and the lens.

Clinical Implications

This study was conducted in rabbits and does not establish the efficacy or safety of the PDRN–DMPC lens in people.

Conclusion

In rabbit models, the PDRN+DMPC contact lens was associated with improved epithelial healing and tear-film outcomes compared with a control lens. Human studies are needed to determine whether these findings translate to clinical use.

Related Resources & Content

1. Scientific Reports, year not provided -- Preclinical study of a PDRN- and DMPC-eluting contact lens for corneal repair and dry eye
2. TFOS, 2025 -- TFOS Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) III: Completed!
3. FDA, year not provided -- Drug Trials Snapshot: MIEBO
4. PubMed, 2013 -- Randomized Controlled Study of Ocular Lubrication Versus Bandage Contact Lens in the Primary Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome
5. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2024 -- Contact Lens Case Reports
6. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2023 -- Dry Eye Dx and Tx
7. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2018 -- Dry Eye Dx and Tx
8. Optometric Management — Exploring the Therapeutic Applications of Contact Lenses
9. TFOS Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) III: Completed!
10. Drug Trials Snapshot: MIEBO
11. Randomized Controlled Study of Ocular Lubrication Versus Bandage Contact Lens in the Primary Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome