We've had a lot of members posting lately about their poor eyes :( My eyes have been worse lately too (hence my desperate researching for hope!). I just wanted to give everyone some hope! I found this article online last night while researching. It's a drug that showed great efficacy for dry eye in the Phase 2 trials, so it has progressed to Phase 3. I've posted the link below, but here's a quick excerpt:
About Lifitegrast (SAR 1118)
Lifitegrast is a potent novel small molecule lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18) antagonist under investigation for a broad range of ocular inflammatory conditions including dry eye. LFA-1 is member of the integrin family of adhesion receptors found on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes (T-cells) and represents a therapeutic target central to a number of inflammatory stimuli. Lifitegrast has demonstrated potency in blocking LFA-1 binding to its cognate ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54), thereby inhibiting cell adhesion, cytokine production, and cellular proliferation in in vitro models. In a Phase 2 trial randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 230 subjects with dry eye disease, lifitegrast demonstrated significant improvements in both signs and symptoms of dry eye as early as two weeks. Lifitegrast was well tolerated and ocular adverse events were mostly mild, transient, and related to initial instillation of the drug
Here's the link:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/last-patient-enrolled-in-pivotal-phase-3-dry-eye-study-opus-1-of-sar-1118-ophthalmic-solution-2012-03-05
Interesting, thank you for posting this. I wonder if this could be an alternative and better treatment option instead of restasis
Restasis does not work in all Sjogrens dry eyes. There is much more success in using Restasis with people who have Lupus and regular dry eye disease. I sure hope this new drug works for those patients and also, in Sjogrens eyes where the inflammation process and gland destruction is a bit different. Thanks lolo!
Great! any hope is welcomed .
Thanks Dolly.
Thanks for the encouragement. My understanding is if the drug is successful in Phase 3 trials, it will be a year or two until it reaches market.
Restasis and plugs have helped me but would love to get more help.. Let us hope for the best.
Anna
thanks Lolo!!! You have brightened my day.. I really dont think Restasis does much for me as i am constantly using drops!!! i hope and pray something comes out soon.. this was great... something to look forward to.. :)