Lifitegrast Reduces T cell Mediated Inflammation Associated with Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye syndrome (DES) also called as dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a chronic disease that leads to lack of tears to maintain sufficient moisture to the eye. This condition is either a sign of less production of tears or quick drying of the film of tears. More than 300 million people are estimated to suffer from this condition. This medical condition is associated with symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, burning and inflammation. The key contributing reasons for dry eye syndrome include dry environment, sun exposure, allergy, smoke exposure, heat or chemical burns, previous surgery, aging, contact lenses or infection. Presently, variety of treatment approaches are available to manage dry eye syndrome such as lubricant treatments, autologous serum eye drops, anti-inflammatory treatments, and surgery.

Lifitegrast is an integrin antagonist that reduces T-cell-mediated inflammation associated with dry eye disease (DED). This molecule was in pipeline for past few years and several clinical trials have been performed to test its efficacy in treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome. In July 2016, lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (5%) under the brand name Xiidra by Shire plc was granted an approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating dry eye syndrome. Xiidra is a twice-daily eye drop solution and only prescription drops indicated for the management of both signs and symptoms of this condition. Shire is expected to launch Xiidra in the United States in the third quarter of 2016.

Being the first U.S. FDA approved product to treat both signs and symptoms of DES, the market for Xiidra is expected to grow exponentially in the near future. The key driving factor attributable to the growing potential of the market is the rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome worldwide. Increasing demand for advance treatment approaches is set to drive the market growth for lifitegrast ophthalmic solution. High incidences of other conditions that can affect the normal eye functions, such as diabetes, is another underpinning factor boosting the prevalence of dry eye syndrome. Apart from diabetes, other conditions that can lead to dry eye syndrome include vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disorders. The growing geriatric population around the world has also led to an increase in the overall prevalence of dry eye syndrome.

Scientific Details of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution at: http://bit.ly/2cHFNPF

Earlier, the dry eye syndrome was ignored by patients as the problems created by the condition were not debilitating. However, growing amount of awareness about dry eye syndrome among the people is expected to drive the market growth exponentially. Additionally, awareness regarding the management of this condition is assisting the market growth. The growing problem of pollution is often an underlying factor for dry eye disease and hence the rising industrialization will augment the prevalence of the condition. However, the increasing awareness about the diagnosis and management of the disease has led to more patient awareness towards the disease. The market for Xiidra is expected to grow exponentially in the near future owing to the growth in dry eye syndrome market. Despite the rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome, the underdiagnosis of dry eye syndrome is restraining the expected growth trajectory. Additionally, the trend of self-medication among the patients remains a major restraint to the market growth of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.

 Some of the major companies in the global dry eye syndrome market are Novartis AG, NicOx SA, Allergan Inc., Bridge Pharma Inc., Cellzome GmbH, and Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.