Ecabet is a prescription eye drop for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Ecabet represents a new class of molecules that increases the quantity and quality of mucin produced by conjunctival goblet cells and corneal epithelia. Mucin is a glycoprotein component of tear film that lubricates while retarding moisture loss from tear evaporation. Ecabet is currently marketed in Japan as an oral agent for treatment of gastric ulcers and gastritis. (en)
Ecabet reduces the survival of H. pylori in the stomach and inhibits pepsin activity in the gastric juice of experimental animals. Here we have investigated the effects of ecabet on some of the factors involved in the dynamics of the mucosal barrier, i.e. pepsins and mucins. Pepsin, acid and Helicobacter pylori are major factors in the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease and reflux oesophagitis. Ecabet also acts as an inhibitor of H. pylori NADPH oxidase as well as urease. Inhibition of these enzymes prevents bacterial adhesion to gastric mucosa. (en)