The Groundbreaking Research Publication
Chinese researchers have unveiled a transformative advancement in ophthalmology with the development of dithiolane-based antibody eye drops, detailed in a recent study published in Nano Research. This innovation introduces a noninvasive topical formulation that delivers anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) single-domain antibodies directly to the cornea, offering hope for patients suffering from corneal neovascularization (CNV), a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea leading to vision impairment or blindness.
The study, accepted on November 17, 2025, and published online shortly thereafter, highlights the potential to replace invasive intraocular injections with simple eye drops. Led by Jie Zhou, Shuang Lin, and Biting Zhou from Fujian Medical University, the work screened a novel anti-VEGF antibody called sdVE01 and paired it with specially designed dithiolane molecules (DMs) to create stable nanoformulations. These drops demonstrated remarkable corneal penetration and anti-angiogenic efficacy in preclinical models, matching the performance of subconjunctival injections without toxicity.
This publication marks a milestone in nanomedicine for ocular delivery, addressing long-standing challenges in transporting large biologics across the eye's protective barriers. For aspiring researchers in pharmaceutical sciences, opportunities abound in China's booming biotech sector—explore research jobs to contribute to such innovations.
Understanding Corneal Neovascularization and Its Impact
Corneal neovascularization occurs when new blood vessels invade the normally avascular cornea, often triggered by injury, infection, or inflammation such as alkali burns or herpetic keratitis. This pathological angiogenesis disrupts corneal transparency, reduces visual acuity, and heightens risks of graft rejection in transplants. In China, infectious keratitis—a primary cause of CNV—accounts for over 70% of corneal diseases, with prevalence rates around 11 per 10,000 population.
Globally, CNV affects up to 10.4% of corneal patients, but in China, the burden is amplified by high diabetes rates, where diabetic retinopathy and related complications contribute to ocular vascular issues. With diabetes prevalence soaring, eye diseases like CNV pose a significant public health challenge, leading to corneal blindness in low but impactful rates (0.023%).
- Infectious keratitis: Leading cause (71%), often progressing to CNV.
- Noninfectious factors: Trauma, chemical burns (20%).
- Tumors and others: 8-10%.
The condition's progression can be halted if treated early, but current options fall short, making innovations like dithiolane antibody eye drops critically needed.
The Research Powerhouse: Fujian Medical University
Fujian Medical University (FJMU) in Fuzhou stands at the forefront of this breakthrough. The School of Pharmacy and First Affiliated Hospital collaborated seamlessly, with key contributors including Associate Professor Jie Zhou (drug delivery expert), ophthalmologist Biting Zhou, and Professor Xiaole Chen (corresponding author, biopharmaceuticals specialist). Their work is supported by national funding from the Natural Science Foundation of China and provincial grants.
FJMU's emphasis on nanomedicine and ophthalmology aligns with China's push for self-reliant biotech innovation. For students and professionals eyeing careers in higher ed research, FJMU exemplifies excellence—check higher ed jobs for faculty and postdoc positions in similar fields.
This interdisciplinary effort underscores how Chinese universities are driving global health solutions.
Decoding the Science: sdVE01 Anti-VEGF Antibody
At the heart is sdVE01, a single-domain antibody (sdAb or nanobody) targeting VEGF, the key driver of angiogenesis. Unlike full antibodies like ranibizumab (used in AMD), sdVE01 is one-third the size (~15 kDa vs. 48 kDa for VHHL fragment), enabling better tissue penetration while retaining potent VEGF binding and anti-angiogenic activity.
Screened via phage display, sdVE01's CDR3 region ensures high specificity. Step-by-step:
- Phage library screening against VEGF.
- Affinity validation (ELISA, SPR).
- Activity confirmation in HUVEC tube formation assays.
This small size is crucial for ocular delivery, where large molecules struggle against tear film, mucus, and tight junctions.
Dithiolane Chemistry: The Key to Stabilization and Penetration
Dithiolane—a five-membered ring with two sulfurs—forms via thiol-disulfide chemistry. Researchers designed DM1-DM4 (varied lipophilicity), covalently attaching to sdVE01 cysteines, boosting hydrophobicity and self-assembling into ~100 nm nanoparticles.
- DM modification: Ring-opening polymerization, stable in physiological conditions.
- Corneal penetration: 4-5x deeper than free antibody (to stroma/endothelium).
- Sustained release: Gradual disassembly in reducing environment.
This chemistry mimics lipoic acid derivatives, enhancing mucoadhesion and paracellular transport. Read the full study here.
Preclinical Results: Efficacy in Mouse Models
In alkali-burn induced CNV mice (standard model), daily eye drops (10 μL, 1 mg/mL) for 7 days:
- Vessel length reduced by ~60%, area by ~70% (vs. control).
- Comparable to 1 μg subconjunctival sdVE01 injection.
- VEGF expression suppressed in cornea/epithelium.
Ex vivo imaging showed deep penetration; HUVEC assays confirmed bioactivity retention. No irritation or histopathology changes observed.
Safety and Advantages Over Existing Therapies
Current CNV treatments:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steroids (topical) | Anti-inflammatory | Side effects (glaucoma, cataracts); poor anti-VEGF |
| Anti-VEGF injections | Effective | Invasive, compliance issues, infection risk |
| Fine-needle diathermy | Ablates vessels | Painful, recurrence |
| Dithiolane drops | Noninvasive, sustained, safe | Preclinical stage |
DM-sdVE01 drops offer patient-friendly administration, lower cost, and scalability.
China's Eye Health Crisis: Why This Matters
China faces escalating eye disease burden: DR prevalence 16.3% in diabetics (140M+ patients), infectious keratitis high in rural areas. CNV complicates 10-20% cases, straining healthcare. This innovation supports 'Healthy China 2030', reducing blindness rates. EurekAlert press release.
For higher ed, it highlights research funding's impact—link to academic CV tips.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Clinical Trials and Beyond
Next steps: Phase I safety trials, optimization for other neovascular diseases (DR, wet AMD). Potential combo with steroids. Quotes: "Opens avenues for macromolecular ocular therapies." – Xiaole Chen.
China's nanotech ecosystem positions FJMU for rapid translation. Researchers, visit university jobs or rate my professor for insights.
In summary, dithiolane antibody eye drops exemplify China's leadership in precision medicine, promising noninvasive relief for millions.
%20logo%20(1).png&w=128&q=75)
