FDA Approves Topical Option for Conjunctivitis

The FDA has approved Zerviate (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24%, the first ocular formulation of the antihistamine, for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Recommended dose of the drug is 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 8 hours apart.
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The efficacy of Zerviate was evaluated in 3 randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, conjunctival antigen challenge clinical trials in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. In 2 of the trials, in which onset and duration were evaluated, Zerviate was associated with statistically significantly less ocular itching compared with vehicle at 15 minutes and 8 hours following treatment.

The most common adverse reactions were ocular hyperemia, instillation site pain, and reduction in visual acuity.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Nicox receives FDA approval of ZERVIATE (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% [press release]. Nicox. May 31, 2017. Sophia Antipolis, France. http://www.nicox.com/news-media/nicox-receives-fda-approval-zerviate-cetirizine-ophthalmic-solution-0-24/.