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.

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.

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