AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. announced that it has filed a provision patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on an innovative new rapid ophthalmological diagnostic solution designed to reliably measure both Ocular Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and MMP-9 in a single test. The test is slated for further clinical development in the first quarter of 2023 and, once FDA approved, will be added to AXIM's expanding catalog of ophthalmological diagnostic tools available to clinicians throughout North America. The test is designed to be administered at the point-of-care and will measure both IgE and MMP-9 levels in patients, rendering results in 10 minutes.

Unlike other MMP-9 tests commercially available that require a tear sample from patients of up to approx. 10 microliters, AXIM's new dual test will be able to measure both IgE and MMP-9 levels in a 20-2,000ng/mL using just a two microliter sample. This sample size significantly reduces patient discomfort in tear collection, where only one sample is needed to measure levels of both biomarkers.

Additionally, other commercially available tests only provide a qualitative result (positive/negative) whereas AXIM's new test measures actual levels of each biomarker, enabling clinicians to differentiate between the underlying causes of a patient's eye condition and prescribe treatment accordingly and instantly at the point-of-care. Once developed and cleared, the test will be added to AXIM's growing portfolio of FDA-cleared ophthalmological diagnostics tools, which includes rapid point-of-care tests for both IgE and Lactoferrin. The new combination test measures levels of matrix metalloproteinase, or MMP-9, in patient tear samples, along with IgE which is a key biomarker primarily associated with non-specific, allergic conjunctivitis, which often mimics Dry Eye Disease.

MMP-9 is an enzyme that has been linked to signs of inflammation on the surface of the eye. This inflammation can be caused by a variety of indications including dry eye or chemical or mechanical damage to the eyes. The higher the level of MMP-9, the higher the degree of inflammation.

Upon review of the results of the new test, clinicians will be able to prescribe either anti-inflammatory, antihistamine or both promptly during a patient's visit, greatly increasing patient care and treatment outcomes.