Molecule derived from extremophile bacteria may improve dry eye

An eye drop containing ectoine, a hydrophilic molecule not approved by the FDA, led to improved dry eye signs and symptoms within weeks in a single-arm study, according to a study presented at the European Dry Eye Society Congress.“Ectoine, an osmoprotectant, is naturally secreted by extremophiles, bacteria that live in extremely harsh conditions,” study author Omur Uçakhan-Gündüz,