OptiSerum

A biological product, rich in growth factors which is used in the treatment of severe dry eyes and ocular surface diseases

OptiSerum is an eye drop produced from umbilical cord blood serum which is used to accelerate healing
of wounds on the surface of the eye.

OptiSerum contains natural growth factors, proteins and vitamin A, similar
to natural tears. When applied to the ophthalmic surface, it promotes and enhances wound healing of ocular surface diseases and severe dry eye.

Patients that suffer from the following conditions^1-3:

Severe Dry Eye:

Effectively treats symptoms of Severe Dry Eye
Safe for use, even in patients with poor general health
Proven to be more effective than autologous serum

Corneal Ulcers:

Promotes healing of the ulcer
Reduces pain
Reduces scarring

Chemical Burns:

Contains many growth factors needed for epithelial renewal
Promotes faster healing rate
Reduces pain

Other uses Include:

Post LASEK surgery
Persistent epithelial defects
Recurrent corneal erosions
Neurotrophic keratitis
Post corneal transplant

order

*Orders received on a Friday will only be dispatched on the following Monday due to the storage requirements.

Storage:

OptiSerum can be stored as follows until time of use:

Home freezer
(-20°C)

Twelve months from date of manufacture or within expiry date printed on the bottle label.

Home refrigerator
(4-10°C)

Use within 7 days of opening/thawing.

Ensure that product is stored in original packaging.

DO NOT use after expiry date stated on the packaging.

Thawing instructions:

Remove OptiSerum bottle from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature.

DO NOT thaw in microwave or boiling water. Once thawed, immediately place the bottle in the refrigerator. When opened, the eye drops must be kept at 4-10°C and used within 7 days.

How to apply:

Apply 1 drop in the affected eye/eyes, 4 times a day or as otherwise prescribed. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment will last. To avoid contamination of your eye drops, do not let the bottle tip touch your eye or any surface. Always wash your hands before applying eye drops.

opti1-1

Tilts your head back and look at the ceiling. Hold the bottle with the tip down over your eye.

opti2-1

Gently pull the lower eyelid down, until there is a small pocket between the eyelid and eyeball.

Squeeze the dropper bottle to release a drop into your eye.

opti3

Replace and tighten the cap immediately after use and place bottle back in the fridge at 4-10°C.

Where can I get OptiSerum?

OptiSerum can be ordered directly from Next Biosciences with a valid script. Alternatively, visit your nearest pharmacy to confirm if they stock OptiSerum.

How long does a bottle of OptiSerum last?

Your bottle of OptiSerum can be used for up to 7 days once thawed.

To ensure that OptiSerum lasts the full 7 days, it is imperative that the correct storage instructions are adhered to.

Is OptiSerum safe to use with hard and/or soft contact lenses?

Yes, OptiSerum can be used when wearing contact lenses as it is a close substitute for your natural tears. Please ensure that you always consultant your healthcare provider before use.

What type of serum is used?

OptiSerum is obtained from umbilical cord blood that remains in the placenta and the attached umbilical cord after childbirth.

How do I know that OptiSerum is safe?

The donors are carefully screened and tested for transmissible diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B&C, HTLV, CMV and Syphilis) during the donation process. This is done in accordance with the South African National Health Act, 2003.

What does it mean if the colour of OptiSerum varies between batches?

Colour variations may occur with the different product batches as OptiSerum is a product made from cord blood. During the processing, there may be some haemoglobin left behind which gives the solution a pink colouring. Haemoglobin is an inert molecule and will not cause any adverse reactions.

How much does OptiSerum cost?

Pricing varies according to the usage provided on your script. Kindly contact us to confirm pricing.

Does OptiSerum contain stem cells?

It does not contain stem cells, it is derived from stem cells.

What is the difference between autologous serum and OptiSerum ?

Umbilical cord blood serum has been found to be more effective than autologous serum eye drops in healing epithelial defects, as cord blood serum contains 2-3 times higher levels of growth factors.

Other practical differences	Autologous Serum	OptiSerum
Blood collection is required repeatedly from patients to obtain fresh serum, which may lead to discomfort and treatment refusal.	√	X
The process to make serum eyedrops is complex and time-consuming for patients.	√	X
Blood sampling is difficult to do in patients with a poor general condition or blood dyscrasia.	√	X
It is possible to obtain a large amount of umbilical cord serum at one time from donated placenta.	X	√
Serum can be used in many patients.	X	√
OptiSerum is also Feasible in patients with a poor general condition.	X	√

Yoon KC, Jeong IY, Im SK, Park YG, Kim HJ, Choi J. Therapeutic effect of umbilical cord serum eyedrops for the treatment of dry eye associated with graft-versus-host disease. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2007 Feb;39(4):231–5.
Yoon K-C, Oh H-J, Park J-W, Choi J. Application of umbilical cord serum eyedrops after laser epithelial keratomileusis. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh). 2013;91(1):e22–e28.
Yoon K-C, You I-C, Im S-K, Jeong T-S, Park Y-G, Choi J. Application of Umbilical Cord Serum Eyedrops for the Treatment of Neurotrophic Keratitis. Ophthalmology. 2007 Sep;