A Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of an Ophthalmic Solution (SkQ1) in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Single-center, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study comprising 4 visits over the course of approximately 5 weeks. The study included a 1-week placebo (SkQ1 vehicle) run-in period between Visit 1 and Visit 2, and approximately 28 days of twice daily (BID) dosing (Visit 2 - Visit 4). Qualified subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either 1.55 µg/mL SkQ1 ophthalmic solution, 0.155 µg/mL SkQ1 ophthalmic solution, or placebo (vehicle of SkQ1 ophthalmic solution).

The following primary endpoints were tested:

• Corneal Fluorescein staining in the inferior region Pre-CAE at Visit 4 (Day 29), as measured by the Ora Calibra Scale in the worst eye at baseline;
• Worst dry eye symptom (ocular discomfort, dryness, or grittiness - as determined from subject diary data recorded during the 1-week run-in period between Visit 1 and Visit 2) evaluated over the seven days preceding Visit 4 (not including day of visit) during the treatment period.

Inclusion criteria

• Be male or female of any race, at least 18 years of age
• Have provided written informed consent
• Have a reported history of dry eye syndrome
• Have a history of use or desire to use eye drops for dry eye

Exclusion criteria

• Have any clinically significant eye findings that require therapeutic treatment or may interfere with study parameters
• Have previously had LASIK surgery within the last 12 months
• Have used Restasis® within 30 days of Visit 1
• Be a woman who is pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy
• Be unwilling to submit a urine pregnancy test if of childbearing potential
• Have a known allergy and/or sensitivity to the test article or its components, including the preservative benzalkonium chloride
• Be currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study or have used an investigational drug or device within 30 days of Visit 1
• Have a condition or be in a situation which the investigator feels may put the subject at significant risk, may confound the study results, or may interfere significantly with the subject's participation in the study