ESCULENTIN 1A AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF FOR TREATMENT OF MICROBIAL KERATITIS

The present invention provides for synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from the frog-skin AMP esculentin 1a, especially against ocular surface infections. More specifically, it is directed to their topical formulation for treatment and prevention of microbial keratitis, a serious infection of the cornea, especially in contact lens wearers. It also provides methods of delivery of these peptides, either in free form or after encapsulation in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (for treatment of keratitis) or after covalent conjugation to contact lenses (for prevention of ocular surface infection).