FDA Approves First of New Drugs for Dry Eye

Dry Eyes - Health Council

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday gave the nod to the first of a new class of medications against dry eye disease. Xiidra (lifitegrast) eyedrops are a newly developed type of drug called LFA-1 agonists, the agency explained in a news release.”

“Xiidra’s safety and effectiveness was assessed in more than 1,000 adults in four separate clinical trials. Patients received either Xiidra eyedrops or a placebo eyedrop twice daily for three months. According to the FDA, people taking Xiidra gained more improvement in “both the signs and the symptoms of eye dryness” compared to those taking the placebo.Side effects included eye irritation, blurred vision and “an unusual taste sensation,” the FDA said. Xiidra is made by Shire US, of Lexington, Mass.”

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