Raytone Biotech Begins Clinical Trial of RTP-008 for DED

Raytone Biotech has announced the successful first patient treatment in its clinical trial evaluating RTP-008 for the management of dry eye disease (DED), with no significant adverse reactions reported following administration.

Novel Sustained-Release Platform Targets Tear Retention and Inflammation

RTP-008 is developed using Raytone Biotech’s proprietary iSus bioabsorbable sustained-release drug delivery platform. This technology combines polymer-drug composite engineering to enable controlled drug release over weeks or months from a single administration.

The therapeutic design of RTP-008 incorporates a dual mechanism of action to address key elements of DED pathophysiology: mechanical tear retention and long-term anti-inflammatory activity. Upon insertion into the lacrimal canaliculus, the hydrogel-based plug expands rapidly to physically block tear drainage, increasing tear film retention on the ocular surface. Simultaneously, tacrolimus, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, is continuously released into the tear film, promoting broad suppression of ocular surface inflammation.

Early Safety Signal Supports Ongoing Study

Principal investigators Ying Jie and Lei Tian noted in a company press release, “RTP-008 demonstrated promising efficacy and safety profiles in preclinical animal studies. The favorable tolerability observed in the first patient is an encouraging signal. We will closely monitor the patients and look forward to demonstrating robust clinical efficacy.”

Yanbo Ling, CEO of Raytone Biotech, added: “This milestone marks our transition from preclinical development to clinical trials, opening new possibilities for patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye. We hope our efforts will ultimately bring meaningful benefits to patients in need. Raytone will also research and develop other ocular drug-device combination products in parallel, while extending its mature products into the field of pet healthcare.”