Mumbai-based Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPPSPTM) has announced that a patent for OCUSERT, a novel ocular formulation for the treatment of glaucoma, has been awarded (Patent No. 416859, Application no. 201721032534) to Dr Bala Prabhakar, Dean Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPPSPTM), along with other inventors.                                   

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, with an estimated 79.6 million patients expected to be diagnosed by 2025. At present, the commercially available form of brimonidine for the treatment of glaucoma is in the form of eye drops. However, these eye drops have a short precorneal retention time and often result in poor patient compliance due to the need for frequent administration.

The OCUSERT formulation addresses these issues by providing sustained release of the active drug over a longer period of time. This development has the potential of commercial applicability and could significantly improve the treatment options available for patients with glaucoma.

"OCUSERT has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of glaucoma. The sustained release capabilities of this formulation will significantly improve patient compliance and offer a more effective treatment option for a disease that affects millions of people worldwide," said Dr Bala Prabhakar, Dean Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPPSPTM)