Pharmacy

February 15, 2010

Bepostastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) is safe and well-tolerated in healthy children as young as 3 years of age, according to results from a multicenter, prospective, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

February 15, 2010

Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops improved dry eye symptoms significantly better than Systane Lubricant Eye Drops when the artificial tears were paired with topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion.

February 15, 2010

For patients who are suffering with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis, loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) is a safe and well-tolerated therapeutic option that can provide rapid clinical improvement, according to new research.

February 15, 2010

An efficacy evaluation comparing two marketed artificial tears showed that a polyethylene-based product (Systane Ultra, Alcon Laboratories) resulted in statisically greater reductions in corneal and conjunctival staining than a glycerin/carboxymethylcellulose-based tear (Refresh Optive, Allergan).

February 15, 2010

The overall anti-allergic eye drop market consists of about 25 products developed and approved in the United States (with some marketed abroad) to address the needs of the seasonal allergic conjunctivitis patient population.

February 15, 2010

The use of a hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (Lacrisert, Aton Pharma) has been proven to offer much relief to patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.

February 15, 2010

A phase II study with a novel non-invasive iontopohoretic drug delivery system (EyeGate II Delivery System, EyeGate Pharma) shows that the device appears to optimize the delivery of a proprietary dexamethasone-derived corticosteroid solution (EGP-437) and improve significantly the signs and symptoms of dry eye, which may raise the bar in therapies for dry eye syndrome.

February 15, 2010

Results of a utility analysis of cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis, Allergan) show that it is highly cost-effective and improves the quality of life in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease that is unresponsive to conventional lubricant therapy.

February 15, 2010

Analyses of data from two hybrid environmental studies evaluating olopatadine hydrochloride 0.2% once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or rhinoconjunctivitis show that patients derive improvement in the frequency and/or severity of their nasal symptoms as a simultaneous benefit with relief of ocular allergy, according to Mark B. Abelson, MD.

February 15, 2010

A new eyelid spray (Tears Again advanced liposome spray, OcuSOFT) is available that may benefit patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.