Areas of expertise

Our areas of expertise

Théa is 100% dedicated to eye care. We offer a complete portfolio of products, both preventive and curative, in the areas of diagnosis, surgery and therapeutics, ranging from well-known classics to innovative products.

In the coming years, our R&D strategy will focus on the development of innovative treatments in areas such as :

■ glaucoma
■ allergy
■ dry eye
■ ocular and eyelid infections
■ eyelid hygiene
■ eye surgery
■ posterior segment

In parallel, continuous improvement of the ABAK^® system remains a priority.

Therapeutic axis

Eye Allergies

Asthma, hay fever, food allergies...... in the past decades the incidence of allergies has increased spectacularly to such an extent that they may now be considered as the 3rd public health problem in the world.

In the area of eye allergies, the side effects of cortisone based drugs have over the years led the pharmaceutical industry to develop alternative therapeutic treatments.

Théa has been a pioneer in this field, firstly with the discovery of NAAGA, a multi-factor anti-allergic molecule. Théa also developed the first non-steroidal preservative-free anti-allergy eye drops in ABAK® bottles as well as in single dose units.

Therapeutic axis

Glaucoma

Much research has been carried out into this disease, a leading cause of blindness, and many new effective medicinal products have been developed.

Théa’s experience in preservative-free products and its know-how in the field of pharmaceutical development, has led to the development of the first preservative-free beta-blocker eye drops in a multi-dose ABAK^® bottle, followed by the first preservative-free beta-blocker eye gel with reduced concentration and once daily dosage. Théa has recently been the first laboratory to launch preservative-free latanoprost (prostaglandin) eye drops.

Théa therefore provides the widest range of preservative-free products in the treatment of glaucoma. The use of preservatives in the treatment of glaucoma should be avoided due to their detrimental effects on the ocular surface and consequently on their tolerance.

Therapeutic axis

Dry eye

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by many different factors, and, in most cases, requires treatment by eye drops which can be of various types – lubricating, hydrating, mucoadhesive. Théa has acquired immense experience in this domain with the development of a full range of products for lachrymal substitution, all preservative-free, in either single dose units or ABAK multi-dose bottles.

It has been shown that the use of preservatives should be avoided as they have harmful effects on the eyelids, the ocular surface and the quality of tears.

New work defining the dry eye pathology has focused on the central role of cellular distress which causes tissue lesions. Based on these findings, Théa has developed Théalose (a medical device): a solution in an ABAK^® bottle combining the protective qualities of trehalose with the hydrating and lubricating properties of hyaluronic acid.

Therapeutic axis

Eye Infection

Théa is a major player in this market, with a portfolio of eye drops and ophthalmic ointments containing various antiseptics and antibiotics, covering the whole range of mild to serious infectious eye diseases.

Théa reached a new landmark this area, with the launch of the first antibiotic eye drops belonging to the macrolide family in single dose units with a three-day treatment schedule. A second important step has been taken with the European approval of the first and only antibiotic to be injected into the eye after cataract surgery, following guidelines from health authorities.

Therapeutic axis

Eye Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory treatments have revolutionised ophthalmic therapeutics with the arrival of corticosteroids, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

As in other areas, Théa has developed various preservative-free eye drops in single dose units or ABAK^® multi-dose bottles. It is important to avoid preservatives in this area, as they exacerbate ocular inflammation.
Théa continues its research into new generation ant-inflammatory drugs and new systems to deliver treatments for the retina and the ocular surface.

Therapeutic axis

Ocular Herpes

Ocular herpes is a distressing disease, however, fortunately, it can now be treated by particularly effective anti-herpes eye drops and ointments. In this field Théa has developed an eye gel. It is the only topical drug product to be developed in the last three decades to treat infections of the eye caused by the herpes virus

Therapeutic axis

Mydriasis

The dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) is necessary for several routine eye exams as well as before cataract surgery. Théa provides ophthalmologists with classical drops for eye dilation, and two more innovative alternative means of delivering mydriatic agents:

- An ocular insert placed in the inner corner of the eye before cataract surgery or a dilated eye exam.
- A solution combining 2 mydriatic agents and an aesthetic to be injected into the eye before cataract surgery.

These 2 forms allow a one dose administration, so controlling the amount of active ingredients delivered into the eye and simplifying patient handling.

Therapeutic axis

Corneal conditions

The cornea, a transparent structure composed of 5 distinctive layers, plays a major role in vision and protects the eye against bacteria, dust and other foreign bodies. If the cornea is superficially damaged, it heals quickly before infection occurs. However, in case of deeper lesions, the healing process will take much longer and treatment from an eye specialist is required to ensure complete recovery.

Théa offers an innovative treatment, Cacicol^®preservative-free eye drops (medical device), to promote repair of the cornea. Cacicol^®belongs to the regenerating agent family and enhances healing in order to delay or avoid invasive surgery.

Therapeutic axis

Eyelid care

Many studies have shown the impact of meibomian gland dysfunction. The latter, located in the eyelids, continuously secrete the lipid layer of the tear film, slowing evaporation. Hygiene and heating of the eyelids are now recommended for patients with dysfunction of these glands and related diseases such as posterior blepharitis, meibomites, rosacea, chalazia.
However, heating of the eyelids being relatively complex, Thea has developed Blephasteam ®, the first medical device providing practical heating of the eyelids under standardized conditions and validated heat and humidity.

Therapeutic axis

Eyelid hygiene

Many eye diseases are related to poor hygiene of the eyelids and eye area. Moreover, recent studies have shown the need for proper cleaning of the eyelids before surgery of the eye. Thea has developed a range of dermo-cosmetic products in collaboration with leading experts in pharmaceutical technology and ophthalmology.
This range includes gels (Blephagel^® for eyelid and eyelashes hygiene), sterile gauze (Blepaclean^® for skin and eye hygiene) and micellar solutions (Blephasol^® for the hygiene of sentice eyelids).

Therapeutic axis

Eye Nutrition

The role of nutrition in eye health is now well established. Théa was one of the first ophthalmic companies to launch a food supplement (Nutrof^®*) for ocular health.

These food supplements are continually evolving in view of the findings of new scientific studies. Théa has financed or led several epidemiological and clinical studies in this area. Notably the “Aliénor” study, initiated in 2006, which is one of the few current worldwide epidemiological studies to include both nutritional and ophthalmic data. This study is the fruit of collaboration between the Department U 897 of Epidemiology and Biostatics at Inserm and the Department of Ophthalmology at the Bordeaux University Hospital. It provides an exceptional tool to study the role of nutrition in eye diseases.

* zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision