From lab to clinic: New hope for severe ocular surface disease

Dr. Sandeep Jain, B.A. Field Professor of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine and founder of therapeutics company Selagine, discusses a decade of groundbreaking discoveries in treating severe ocular surface disease. He explains how his research has uncovered new therapeutic strategies that could transform care for patients suffering from this condition.

What sparked your research into ocular surface disease?
About 10 years ago, our team discovered spider-like webs of DNA on the surface of the eye. These structures were inflammatory and contributed to disease. This led us to explore a therapeutic strategy using a drug called DNase to break down these webs, and it worked.

What else did your research reveal?
Pathogenic autoantibodies present on the eye’s surface were also identified, playing a key role in ocular surface disease. These discoveries led to the founding of Selagine in 2020. The clinic focuses on treating patients with severe ocular surface disease, many of whom have previously undergone cancer treatments, chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants, leaving them with debilitating eye conditions.

How has UIC supported this work?
University support is very important for bringing innovations to market. Securing funding for proof-of-concept studies, patent protection and clinical validation are essential to ensure each discovery can progress from the lab to patients. For example, DNase is now patented and licensed to a Cambridge startup and is set to enter clinical trials, highlighting how proper protection and resources are critical for translating research into real-world therapies.

What is next?
Selagine recently struck a deal with Grifols, allowing the company to begin human clinical trials expected to start this year.

We are hopeful that this treatment will reach patients and significantly improve outcomes for those suffering from severe ocular surface disease.

The most exciting part is knowing that patients who have already endured so much could finally benefit from therapies based on these discoveries. Bringing these treatments from lab to clinic is what drives our work every day.

— Justyna Ciegotura, Office of Technology Management