The spinout company Otusophta Oy is developing a new treatment method that maintains moisture in the surface of the eye using a new technology called RevEye, which prevents tear evaporation. RevEye has been developed in collaboration of researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland.
RevEye technology utilises the eye's own mechanism
Otusophta's RevEye technology is based on seven years of fundamental research that examined the structure and mechanisms of the lipid layer covering the tear film, as well as the properties of individual lipids. The research resulted in an innovation that utilises the eye's natural mechanism.
The RevEye technology is based on a patented method in which physiological lipids repair holes in the lipid layer of the tear fluid and simultaneously stabilise the tear film. The result is a protective barrier on the aqueous layer of the eye that prevents evaporation.
The commercialisation of the technology was prepared in a Business Finland-funded Research to Business project.
Effective and safe treatment to help millions of people
Globally, hundreds of millions of people suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes are usually treated with moisturising and lubricating eye drops or anti-inflammatory products. The new technology offers Otusophta the opportunity to pioneer a new market, as no similar product with a moisturising mechanism based on the eye's own lipids has been developed before.
The uniqueness of RevEye technology lies in its ability to prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the eye in the first place. The effectiveness of existing eye drops on the market is based solely on alleviating symptoms, whereas Otusophta's technology can influence the cause of dry eyes. Utilising the eye's own lipid layer makes the treatment safe as well. Another advantage is that the lipids remain on the eye's surface longer than regular moisturising drops, so they do not need to be administered as frequently.
Development work continues
"RevEye technology addresses a significant root cause of dry eyes, which sets it apart from competitors. By using compounds similar to those found in a healthy tear film, we can restore the natural functionality of the tear fluid and prevent excessive evaporation very effectively. The development work continues intensively. Next, we will test the product's functionality in clinical trials with a suitable partner," says Kari Lehmussaari, CEO of Otusophta Oy, and continues:
"There is a great need and demand for a completely new approach to treating dry eyes in international markets."
"It has been a pleasure to follow and support the preparations for the commercialisation of the RevEye innovation. It is an exceptional collaboration in which teams of researchers from two universities have managed to create a good synergy and thus develop a science-based technology into a commercial form," says Kajsa Kajander, COO of Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd.
The founding members of the spinout include CEO Kari Lehmussaari, Associate Professor Filip Ekholm of the University of Helsinki, and Roland Mirow. Additionally, the Helsinki University Funds is among the founding members and is also the seed funder of Otusophta. Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, the technology transfer and commercialisation company of the University of Helsinki, has been a driving force behind the commercialisation preparations of the RevEye technology in collaboration with the innovation services of the University of Eastern Finland.
