Bioadhesive latanoprost-loaded lyotropic liquid crystal precursor eye drops for effective intraocular pressure reduction and neuroprotection in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of ocular disorders characterized by optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects. Pathologically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is its primary risk factor. Persistent IOP elevation results in deformation of the lamina cribrosa, compressing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. This compression leads to RGC loss, disrupted visual signal transmission, and eventually vision loss or blindness. Currently, glaucoma is managed by topical instillation of IOP-lowering eye drops, such as prostaglandin analogs.However, conventional eye drops suffer from low bioavailability, which necessitates frequent and long-term administration. This issue further exacerbates adverse drug reactions such as dry eye induced by preservatives. To overcome these limitations, a novel bioadhesive latanoprost-loaded lyotropic liquid crystal (LAT-LLC) precursor eye drop was developed using biocompatible glyceryl dioleate (GDO) and phosphatidylcholine (SPC). Upon contact with the tear film, these precursors transform into LAT-LLC gels. Compared with commercially available latanoprost eye drops (Xalatan), LAT-LLC gels demonstrated a 3.3 mmHg greater reduction in IOP and a 19% increase in RGC survival. Because RGC preservation paralleled the greater IOP reduction, these findings support an IOP-mediated retinal protective effect. This study provides a promising biocompatible, bioadhesive, sol-to-gel delivery strategy for sustained IOP control, while dose-ranging studies are required to determine whether prolonged retention permits a lower LAT concentration.