Israeli Researchers Enhance Antibiotic Eyedrop Delivery for Dogs, Humans

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new antibiotic eyedrop formulation for dogs, using cross-linked hyaluronic acid (XHA) as a carrier that significantly enhances antibiotic retention and effectiveness. The study, published in Veterinary Ophthalmology, found that XHA delivered 2.4 times more cefazolin and 4.2 times more chloramphenicol compared to the standard polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) carrier. This advancement not only improves treatment outcomes for canine eye infections but also has implications for human medicine, as dogs share similar ocular diseases and anatomy with humans. The findings could help reduce the frequency of antibiotic applications, thereby lowering the risk of antimicrobial resistance, a growing concern in both veterinary and human healthcare. The research highlights the potential for XHA-based delivery methods to extend beyond antibiotics to include antivirals, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory treatments. Dr. Lionel Sebbag, the lead researcher, emphasized the translational relevance of this study for improving eye care in both animals and humans.