Fluorometholone for Corneal Ulcer

RC
SW
Overseen BySarah Waters
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 2
Sponsor: Vishal Jhanji
Must be taking: Topical antibiotics
Stay on Your Current MedsYou can continue your current medications while participating
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Prior Safety DataThis treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether adding fluorometholone, an anti-inflammatory eye drop, to standard antibiotic treatment can improve vision in people with bacterial corneal ulcers. The study will compare this combination to antibiotics alone to determine which is more effective in enhancing vision over three months. Suitable participants should have a diagnosed bacterial corneal ulcer that hasn't fully responded to antibiotics after 48-96 hours. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important early findings.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial requires that you stop using topical or systemic corticosteroids during the ulcer episode. Other medications are not specifically mentioned, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that fluorometholone is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that fluorometholone, a type of steroid eye drop, is usually well-tolerated for treating eye conditions. Studies have found that it effectively reduces swelling, aiding in eye healing. Available studies report no serious side effects linked to its use.

As this trial is in an early stage, researchers continue to gather detailed safety information. However, the existing use of fluorometholone for other eye conditions offers some reassurance about its safety. Participants should always discuss potential risks and benefits with their doctor before joining a trial.12345

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for corneal ulcers?

Fluorometholone is unique because it is a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation, which is a critical part of managing corneal ulcers. Unlike the standard antibiotic treatments for corneal ulcers, such as fortified Tobramycin and Cefazolin, which primarily focus on eliminating infection, Fluorometholone targets the inflammatory response, potentially speeding up healing and reducing scarring. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could offer a more comprehensive approach to managing corneal ulcers by addressing both infection and inflammation simultaneously.

What evidence suggests that fluorometholone might be an effective treatment for corneal ulcers?

Research has shown that fluorometholone, when applied to the eye, reduces swelling, which is crucial for treating eye problems. This action manages symptoms and improves outcomes in various eye diseases. Its formulation allows easier entry into the eye, enhancing its effectiveness. Although direct proof for its use in bacterial corneal ulcers is lacking, its success in other eye conditions suggests potential benefits when combined with standard antibiotic treatments. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will receive standard topical antibiotics, and adding fluorometholone could enhance vision recovery in patients with corneal ulcers.12456

Who Is on the Research Team?

VJ

Vishal Jhanji, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with bacterial corneal ulcers. Participants should not have liver disease, as the medication being tested could affect liver function.

Inclusion Criteria

Completed microbiologic work-up including ≥ 1 of: Corneal culture, PCR testing
Able and willing to provide informed consent and comply with study visits
I am 18 years old or older.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with an eye infection caused by herpes, Acanthamoeba, or fungus.
My eye's cornea is or is about to break open.
I am using topical corticosteroids in my eye and systemic corticosteroids for this ulcer.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either standard topical antibiotic therapy alone or in combination with fluorometholone (FML) for bacterial corneal ulcers

3 months
Regular visits including Day 1, Day 3, Week 1, Month 1, and Month 3

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness, including BCVA, re-epithelialization, and intraocular pressure

3 months
Follow-up visits at Week 1, Month 1, and Month 3

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Fluorometholone

Trial Overview

The study is testing if adding a steroid eye drop called Fluorometholone (FML) to standard antibiotic treatment improves vision after 3 months in patients with bacterial corneal ulcers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Control ArmActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vishal Jhanji

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials
78
Recruited
77,600+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1180749/

Therapeutic effectiveness of fluorometholone in ...

The data demonstrate that topically administered fluorometholone is an effective therapeutic agent and that it compares favorably in anti-inflammatory activity.

Study Details | NCT07308938 | Fluorometholone Study

The investigators seek to determine whether adjunctive topical fluorometholone (FML) improves best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months in ...

Fluorometholone for Corneal Ulcer · Info for Participants

The study is testing if adding a steroid eye drop called Fluorometholone (FML) to standard antibiotic treatment improves vision after 3 months ...

Fluorometholone acetate: More benefit than meets the eye

“The acetate in the formulation makes the drug more lipophilic, which facilitates better penetration into the ocular surface,” he explained, ...

Combination Therapy of 0.1% Fluorometholone and 0.05% ...

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the isolated use of fluorometholone compared with the combined use of azelastine and fluorometholone for the ...

Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops on Bacterial Keratitis

Anti-inflammatory treatment was considered when corneal epithelial defect, corneal infiltration and anterior chamber inflammation were decreased.