With conjunctivitis running rampant this year, USC’s Clinical Trials Centre is uniquely placed as the only location in Australia working with Sunshine Coast doctors to conduct a trial of a new experimental medicine to treat both the infectious and the inflammatory components of conjunctivitis, allowing rapid resolution of the symptoms.

Conjunctivitis is a temporary infection that causes signs and symptoms such as redness, watering/discharge, irritation or soreness of the eyes, and it can be associated with discomfort lasting a few days or weeks.

The infection – most often caused by viruses called ‘adenoviruses’ and in other cases, bacteria – can be passed very easily from person to person. This clinical trial is looking at a potential new drug that targets both causes of conjunctivitis.

The non-antibiotic investigational drug, which is given as an eye drop, is a combination of two different types of drugs: antiseptic (which kills viruses and bacteria) and steroid (which aims to reduce signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis).

USC Clinical Trials Centre Director Lucas Litewka said this trial presents a great opportunity to tackle the two forms of conjunctivitis and to build upon the growing portfolio of clinical trials currently underway.

USC is conducting the trial with the H2 Vision Centres at Chancellor Park alongside Associate Professor Leo Hartley.

Associate Professor Leo Hartley states: “In an age when antibiotic resistance has become a major concern, this trial which uses a non-antibiotic, could represent a major breakthrough in common red eye management.”

“Adults and Children of any age can take part in this trial if they have had signs or symptoms of conjunctivitis within the previous 3 days.”

“Those who meet the criteria and are enrolled in the study will be compensated for their time.”

Patients interested in participating can go to www.joinourtrials.com or call (07) 5456 3797.