Alcon has bought rights for and Zirgan from Sirion Therapeutics Inc. for an undisclosed amount. While Durezol is an ophthalmic corticosteroid approved for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with eye surgery, Zirgan is an antiviral for the treatment of corneal ulcers. Both products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Alcon said it has acquired the global rights, excluding Latin America, for Zyclorin, which is being developed as a potential treatment for dry eyes and other diseases.

A recent study conducted over 6,848 participants depicted that the occurrence of dry eye disease increased in men aged 80 years or more. High blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia and the use of antidepressant raise the risk of the disease, the study conducted by Physicians’ Health Studies found. Dry eye is the “presence of clinically diagnosed dry eye” or symptoms that included severe dryness or irritability.

Results of a clinical study indicate that Allergan Inc.’s topical cyclosporine proves beneficial in various forms of the dry eye disease. The drug was found to stop the progress of the disease in some patients and cure symptoms in others. The condition of 72.1% of patients improved to a great extent. Greater efficacy of the medication in the mild group indicates that early treatment of the disease may give better results. The study was supported by Allergan Inc.

According to research by scientists at the Schepens Eye Research Institute, people with a certain low level of tear production have a higher probability of developing chronic dry eye syndrome after having undergone LASIK surgery. The laser refractive surgery is done to correct near- and far-sightedness. The study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, may help ophthalmologists find out if these patients require pretreatment and whether or not surgery is appropriate for such persons.

Photo by circo de invierno

 Novagali Pharma has announced the commercial launch of its first product Cationorm® in France. The product treats the dry eye symptoms through the company’s patented technology Novasorb®. The product reproduces the tear mechanism in various levels in the tear film. The clinical study of the product has demonstrated long lasting advantages for the patients.