EuDEC 2026: ectoine eye drops show meaningful symptom and tear film improvements in dry eye disease

Prof. Dr. Ömür Uçakhan Gündüz of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine presented data at the 2026 European Dry Eye Congress (EuDEC), held 18–20 June in Milan, Italy, on ectoine, an osmoprotectant molecule originally identified in extremophilic bacteria. Gündüz explained that ectoine binds strongly to water molecules, forming a net-like structure around cell membranes and proteins that shields them from environmental stressors such as desiccation. This protective mechanism also carries downstream anti-inflammatory activity, with preclinical studies in human corneal epithelial cell cultures and murine models showing suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha, alongside improved goblet cell recovery and reduced ocular surface staining.

Key efficacy findings

Building on this preclinical foundation, Gündüz discussed a clinical study evaluating a preservative-free eye drop containing 2.0% ectoine (ArtE) in patients with mild-to-moderate dry eye disease. 35 adults instilled the drops up to 6 times daily for 28 days. Tear break-up time improved significantly in the decisive eye, increasing by 2.5 seconds, while Schirmer test values also rose, although the change did not reach statistical significance. Patients reported meaningful improvements across Ocular Surface Disease Index sub-scales (OSDI), including reductions in redness, tired eyes, burning, and foreign body sensation. Gündüz noted that this broad symptomatic relief was central to patient adherence, observing that formulations offering strong anatomical results without corresponding symptom relief often see poor long-term compliance.

Safety and future directions

The treatment was well tolerated, with patients reporting immediate relief and no irritation following installation. No serious adverse events were recorded. Looking ahead, Gündüz indicated that further clinical evidence, including the ongoing trial discussed in the interview, would help clinicians better communicate expected outcomes to patients before recommending ectoine more broadly in practice. She also positioned ectoine-containing formulations as suitable across all severities of dry eye disease, noting their additional anti-allergic properties make them a versatile option alongside newer drug classes such as TRPM8 neuromodulators and tear film stabilisers.