Safety and tolerability of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0%: Pooled analysis of five randomized controlled trials in dry eye disease

Preliminary study of cyclosporine A/Lifitegrast subconjunctival sustained-release drug membrane in the treatment of dry eyes

BACKGROUND

Dry eyes can cause discomfort. To treat dry eye disease, cyclosporine A (CsA) and Lifitegrast are two eye drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, frequent use of eye drops can be challenging and lead to poor compliance, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a drug sustained-release vector and explore its therapeutic effect in animal models of dry eye.

METHODS

Firstly, drug membranes loaded with both CsA and Lifitegrast using a carrier called poly(lactate-co-ε-caprolactone) (P(LLA-CL)) were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, release behavior in vitro, and safety in vivo. Next, a rabbit dry eye model using a 0.1% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) solution was developed and treated by drug-loaded micro membranes. We observed and recorded conjunctival hyperemia, corneal staining, corneal edema, corneal neovascularization, conjunctival goblet cells and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Finally, we detected the MUC5AC and MMP-9 by immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The composite film released both CsA and Lifitegrast for at least one month. Compared to the blank membrane group, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal fluorescein staining, corneal edema, corneal neovascularization and conjunctival goblet cells recovered faster in the drug membrane group, and the difference was statistically significant. At the molecular level, the drug membrane group showed an increase in mucin density and a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of CsA/Lifitegrast loaded P(LLA-CL) membrane under the subconjunctival of the rabbit eye is safe. The study suggests that this subconjunctival administration could be developed into a minimally invasive delivery system to help patients with dry eye disease who require multiple daily eyedrops but have poor compliance.

Anti-Inflammatories in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Review

Inflammation is an important driver of dry eye disease (DED) pathogenesis. An initial insult that results in the loss of tear film homeostasis can initiate a nonspecific innate immune response that leads to a chronic and self-sustaining inflammation of the ocular surface, which results in classic symptoms of dry eye. This initial response is followed by a more prolonged adaptive immune response, which can perpetuate and aggravate inflammation and result in a vicious cycle of chronic inflammatory DED. Effective anti-inflammatory therapies can help patients exit this cycle, and effective diagnosis of inflammatory DED and selection of the most appropriate treatment are therefore key to successful DED management and treatment. This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune and inflammatory components of DED, and examines the evidence base for the use of currently available topical treatment options. These agents include topical steroid therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, T cell integrin antagonists, antibiotics, autologous serum/plasma therapy, and omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements.

Selective Pharmacologic Therapies for Dry Eye Disease Treatment: Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety Data Review from Preclinical Studies and Pivotal Trials

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye disease (DED), is a prevalent, multifactorial disease associated with compromised ocular lubrication, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and ocular symptoms. Several anti-inflammatory, topical ophthalmic therapies are available to treat clinical signs and symptoms of DED in the USA and Europe. Cyclosporine A (CsA)-based formulations include an ophthalmic emulsion of 0.05% CsA (CsA 0.05%), a cationic emulsion (CE) of CsA 0.1% (CsA CE), and an aqueous nanomicellar formulation of 0.09% CsA (OTX-101). Lifitegrast is a 5% ophthalmic solution of a lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 antagonist that is believed to target T cell activation and recruitment to inhibit ocular inflammation. Here we provide a comprehensive review summarising preclinical studies and pivotal trial data for these treatments to provide a complete understanding of their efficacy and safety profile. Overall, data in the evaluated studies show a favourable risk-benefit profile for the use of targeted topical anti-inflammatory pharmacologic treatments in patients with DED. Pivotal trials for CsA 0.05%, CsA CE, OTX-101, and lifitegrast clearly demonstrate treatment efficacy compared to vehicle across treatments with no serious ocular treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Patients using ophthalmic treatments reported ocular TEAEs more frequently than those treated with vehicle; however, relatively few TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation. The specific signs and symptoms of DED that improve with treatment vary with the treatment prescribed. Long-term and direct comparative studies between treatments are needed to further understand treatment differences in efficacy and safety profiles.

Sjögren syndrome: looking forward to the future

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a heterogeneous disease characterised by a wide spectrum of manifestations that vary according to the different stages of the disease and among different subsets of patients. The aim of this qualitative literature review is to summarise the recent advances that have been reported in pSS, ranging from the early phases to the established disease and its complications. We analysed the diagnostic, prognostic, and management aspects of pSS, with a look into future clinical and research developments. The early phases of pSS, usually antedating diagnosis, allow us to investigate the pathophysiology and risk factors of the overt disease, thus allowing better and timely patient stratification. Salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) is emerging as a valid complementary, or even alternative, tool for histopathology in the diagnosis of pSS, due to a standardised scoring system with good agreement and performance. Other promising innovations include the application of artificial intelligence to SGUS, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, and a wide array of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Stratifying pSS patients through the integration of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histopathological data; differentiating between activity-related and damage-related manifestations; and identifying patients at higher risk of lymphoma development are essential steps for an optimal management and individualised treatment approach. As new treatment options are emerging for both glandular and systemic manifestations, there is a need for a more reliable treatment response evaluation. pSS is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and many distinct aspects should be considered in the different stages of the disease and subsets of patients. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve our understanding of the disease, and certainly in the coming years, some of these novelties will become part of our routine clinical practice, thus improving the management of pSS patients.

Neutrophils in acute inflammation: current concepts and translational implications

Modulation of neutrophil recruitment and function is crucial for targeting inflammatory cells to sites of infection to combat invading pathogens while, at the same time, limiting host tissue injury or autoimmunity. The underlying mechanisms regulating recruitment of neutrophils, 1 of the most abundant inflammatory cells, have gained increasing interest over the years. The previously described classical recruitment cascade of leukocytes has been extended to include capturing, rolling, adhesion, crawling, and transmigration, as well as a reverse-transmigration step that is crucial for balancing immune defense and control of remote organ endothelial leakage. Current developments in the field emphasize the importance of cellular interplay, tissue environmental cues, circadian rhythmicity, detection of neutrophil phenotypes, differential chemokine sensing, and contribution of distinct signaling components to receptor activation and integrin conformations. The use of therapeutics modulating neutrophil activation responses, as well as mutations causing dysfunctional neutrophil receptors and impaired signaling cascades, have been defined in translational animal models. Human correlates of such mutations result in increased susceptibility to infections or organ damage. This review focuses on current advances in the understanding of the regulation of neutrophil recruitment and functionality and translational implications of current discoveries in the field with a focus on acute inflammation and sepsis.

Dry eye disease, a prominent manifestation of systemic autoimmune disorders

OBJECTIVES

Dry eye disease (DED) is arguably the most frequent ocular disease encountered in ophthalmic clinical practice. DED is frequently an underestimated condition causing a significant impact on visual function and quality of life. Many systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs) are related to moderate to severe DED. The main objective of this review is to enhance the awareness among ophthalmologists of the potential association of an underlying SAID in a high-risk patient with DED.

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was performed in the National Library of Medicine's Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for all English language articles published until November 2021. The main keywords included "dry eye disease" associated with autoimmune, connective tissue, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, vascular, and pulmonary diseases. Case reports, series, letters to the editor, reviews, and original articles were included.

RESULTS

Although DED is frequently associated with SAIDs, its diagnosis is commonly delayed or missed, producing significant complications, including corneal ulceration, melting, scleritis, uveitis, and optic neuritis resulting in severe complications detrimental to visual function and quality of life. SAID should be suspected in a woman, 30 to 60 years old with a family history of autoimmunity, presenting with DED symptoms and extraocular manifestations including arthralgias, dry mouth, unexplained weight and hair loss, chronic fatigue, heat or cold intolerance, insomnia, and mood disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing the correct diagnosis and treatment of DED associated with SAIDs is crucial to avoid its significant burden and severe ocular complications.

A Systematic Review on the Association Between Tear Film Metrics and Higher Order Aberrations in Dry Eye Disease and Treatment

We systematically reviewed published research on dry eye disease and its association with higher order aberrations (HOAs). The purpose of this review was to first determine if an association between tear film metrics and HOAs exists and second to determine if the treatment of dry eyes can improve tear film metrics and HOAs together. A search was conducted in Entrez PubMed on 25 April 2021 using the keywords “higher order aberrations” and “dry eye”. The initial search yielded 61 articles. After publications were restricted to only original articles measuring HOA outcomes in patients with dry eye, the final yield was 27 relevant articles. Of these 27 papers, 12 directly looked at associations and correlations between dry eyes and HOA parameters. The remaining 15 studies looked at dry eye interventions and HOA outcomes and parameters. There is clear evidence demonstrating that dry eyes and HOAs have an association, and that the tear film is one of the most important factors in this relationship. There is also a direct correlation between tear film metrics and HOAs. Improvements in HOAs with dry eye interventions provide further evidence to support the intricate relationship between the two. Despite the clear association between HOAs and dry eye disease, further research is still required in the realm of clinical application as dry eye interventions vary depending on many factors, including patient severity and eye drop viscosity.

Efficacy of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution, 5.0%, in Patients With Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of 2 Randomized Clinical Trials

Question

What are post hoc treatment outcomes of lifitegrast by severity of dry eye disease (DED)?

Findings

In this post hoc analysis of 2 randomized clinical trials including 1429 patients, treatment with lifitegrast in the subgroup with an inferior corneal staining score of greater than 1.5 and eye dryness score of at least 60 at baseline (ie, moderate to severe DED) showed lifitegrast-treated participants had higher odds of achieving simultaneous improvement in clinical signs and symptoms than placebo-treated participants.

Meaning

The results of this post hoc analysis suggest that lifitegrast treatment may be associated with a response in the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe DED.

Importance

An investigation of the treatment effect of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution, 5.0%, in different subgroups by severity of dry eye disease (DED) seems warranted.

Objective

To explore the heterogeneity across different subgroups of DED and identify which participants were most likely to achieve clinically meaningful benefit with lifitegrast treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc responder analysis was performed using the data from the phase 3 OPUS-2 and OPUS-3 studies, which were 12-week, prospective, double-masked, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-arm clinical trials that previously demonstrated the efficacy of lifitegrast in DED. Pooled data were stratified into 4 subgroups based on severity of inferior corneal staining score (ICSS; ≤1.5 vs >1.5) and eye dryness score (EDS; <60 or ≥60) at baseline. Data were collected from December 7, 2012, to October 5, 2015, and post hoc analysis was performed from April 14, 2020, to July 30, 2021.

Interventions

Lifitegrast or placebo twice daily for 84 days.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of participants with (1) a clinically meaningful improvement in signs (ICSS or total corneal staining score [TCSS]) and symptoms (EDS or global visual analog scale [VAS]) and (2) a composite response for a given sign and symptom end point pair at day 84 were measured. Clinically meaningful improvement was defined as at least 30% improvement in symptoms (EDS or global VAS) and either at least a 1-point improvement in ICSS or at least a 3-point improvement in TCSS. For the composite responder analysis, the end point pairs were defined as at least a 30% reduction in EDS and at least a 1-point improvement in ICSS; at least a 30% reduction in EDS and at least a 3-point improvement in TCSS; at least a 30% improvement in global VAS and at least a 1-point improvement in ICSS; and at least a 30% improvement in global VAS and at least a 3-point improvement in TCSS.

Results

In total, 1429 participants (716 in the placebo group and 713 in the lifitegrast group) were analyzed (1087 women [76.1%]; mean [SD] age, 58.7 [14.3] years). For the overall pooled population, responder and composite responder rates favored lifitegrast vs placebo (odds ratio range, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.05-1.59] to 2.10 [95% CI, 1.68-2.61]; P ≤ .02). In the composite analysis, the subgroup with ICSS of greater than 1.5 and EDS of at least 60 at baseline (ie, moderate to severe DED) demonstrated a 1.70- to 2.11-fold higher odds of achieving clinically meaningful improvement with lifitegrast across all sign and symptom end point pairs (P ≤ .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

These post hoc findings suggest that lifitegrast ophthalmic solution, 5.0%, treatment may be associated with a response in participants with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of DED.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02284516

Integrins: An Important Link between Angiogenesis, Inflammation and Eye Diseases

Integrins belong to a group of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) which is a large group of membrane-bound proteins. They are responsible for cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and signal transduction from the ECM to the cells. Integrins take part in many other biological activities, such as extravasation, cell-to-cell adhesion, migration, cytokine activation and release, and act as receptors for some viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). They play a pivotal role in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tissue repair and are involved in the processes that are crucial to infection, inflammation and angiogenesis. Integrins have an important part in normal development and tissue homeostasis, and also in the development of pathological processes in the eye. This review presents the available evidence from human and animal research into integrin structure, classification, function and their role in inflammation, infection and angiogenesis in ocular diseases. Integrin receptors and ligands are clinically interesting and may be promising as new therapeutic targets in the treatment of some eye disorders.

Eye amputation following lifitegrast treatment for ocular graft-versus-host disease: First case report

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloblastic leukemia that could be very difficult to treat. Lifitegrast 5% (Xiidra@, Novartis), a new immunosuppressive eye drop, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe dry eye and is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency. In France, lifitegrast has been approved by the French authorities for temporary use in refractory dry eye syndrome resistant to tear substitutes and topical cyclosporine. To date, serious complications have been reported only exceptionally. In this article, we report the case of a 65-year-old patient with a medical history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed in 2015 who received a first matched related donor transplant. In 2019, this patient developed chronic GVH involving the skin, oral mucosa and eye. Despite taking topical and systemic medications for 3 months, the patient did not report relief of ocular symptoms. Therefore, lifitegrast was prescribed. To our knowledge, we report the first case of corneal perforation in which evisceration was required following treatment with topical lifitegrast for chronic GVH. In the case presented here, it can be assumed that the underlying mechanisms leading to corneal perforation are multifactorial. Using drug accountability criteria, lifitegrast appears to be strongly associated with the development of bacterial keratitis and corneal perforation.

Ocular surface response of two preservative-free cylcosporine A emulsion eye drops in a mouse model of dry eye

PURPOSE/AIM

Dry eye (DE) disease is a multifactorial disease in which uncontrolled inflammation can lead to corneal epithelium lesions and symptoms of discomfort. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of two cyclosporine emulsions in a mouse model of DE with corneal epithelium lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six- to 9-week-old female C57BL/6 N mice were housed in a controlled-environment room to induce DE. Following DE development, mice were instilled with: QD 0.1%CsA cationic emulsion (CaEm), BID 0.05%CsA anionic emulsion (AEm), or left untreated. Aqueous tear production and corneal epithelium lesions were assessed throughout the experiment. At the end of the treatment period, left eyes were sampled, fixed, and stained for histology, while the cornea, conjunctiva, and lacrimal gland of right eyes were sampled for transcriptomic analysis.

RESULTS

Corneal lesion scores were reduced by 10.4%, 18.4%, and 10.9% at day 6, 10, and 14, respectively, with CaEm (QD), and by 2.6%, 3.0%, and 5.5% at day 6, 10, and 14, respectively, with AEm (BID). Histology demonstrated that 7 out of 10 DE mice presented moderate to severe ocular lesions, while only 2 and 5 out of 10 mice presented slight to moderate ocular lesions when treated with the CaEm (QD) and AEm (BID), respectively. The transcriptomic profile analysis suggests that a different set of inflammatory genes are modulated in the cornea, conjunctiva, and lacrimal gland upon DE development. In addition, the two emulsions distinctively modulate the gene expression profile.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that both emulsions were effective at reducing corneal lesions, with the CaEm (QD) being slightly better than the AEm (BID). Interestingly, this study suggests that ocular tissues may not respond similarly to a dry environment and that a different set of genes is modulated by the two formulations in the ocular tissues.

The Effect of Lifitegrast on Refractive Accuracy and Symptoms in Dry Eye Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Purpose

To determine the effect of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% on improving the tear film, biometry/keratometry, and refractive accuracy for dry eye patients scheduled for cataract surgery.

Patients and Methods

Multicenter, prospective, open-label study of 100 eyes of 100 patients undergoing cataract surgery who had a confirmed diagnosis of dry eye. Patients underwent biometry at baseline and again after a 28-day course of lifitegrast 5% BID. Primary outcome was an improvement in the accuracy of preoperative anterior corneal power measurements at predicting postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) pre- and post-lifitegrast treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in dry eye symptoms and corneal staining.

Results

The accuracy of the biometry readings for the achieved refractive SE: within 0.25 D in 47% and 50% of eyes before and after the initial lifitegrast treatment, respectively; within 0.5 D in 71% and 79% of eyes before and after the initial lifitegrast treatment; and within 0.75 D in 81% and 91% of eyes before and after the initial lifitegrast treatment (p < 0.04).

Conclusion

Lifitegrast 5% significantly improved preoperative corneal surface measurement accuracy in patients with confirmed dry eye who were scheduled for cataract surgery.

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The Immunological Basis of Dry Eye Disease and Current Topical Treatment Options

Homeostasis of the lacrimal functional unit is needed to ensure a well-regulated ocular immune response comprising innate and adaptive phases. When the ocular immune system is excessively stimulated and/or immunoregulatory mechanisms are disrupted, the balance between innate and adaptive phases is dysregulated and chronic ocular surface inflammation can result, leading to chronic dry eye disease (DED). According to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II definition, DED is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by impairment and loss of tear homeostasis (hyperosmolarity), ocular discomfort or pain, and neurosensory abnormalities. Dysregulated ocular immune responses result in ocular surface damage, which is a further contributing factor to DED pathology. Several therapeutics are available to break the vicious circle of DED and prevent chronic disease and progression, including immunosuppressive agents (steroids) and immunomodulators (cyclosporine and lifitegrast). Given the chronic inflammatory nature of DED, each of these agents is commonly used in clinical practice. In this study, we review the immunopathology of DED and the molecular and cellular actions of current topical DED therapeutics to inform clinical decision making.

Physician Satisfaction with Anti-Inflammatory Topical Medications for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Purpose

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ophthalmic disorders. Pathogenesis of the disease includes inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Two anti-inflammatory prescription treatments are currently available: cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (CYC) and lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution (LIF). The objective of this survey-based study was to assess physician satisfaction with CYC and LIF for the treatment of DED.

Methods

Physicians currently treating DED patients with CYC or LIF were asked to rate the experiences of their patients currently or formerly using CYC and LIF, and their own perspectives on the two treatments.

Results

Twenty-one physicians participated in the survey, providing responses on behalf of 210 patients. Overall, physicians reported low levels of satisfaction with onset of action of CYC and LIF, and fewer than half considered either drug to be effective in managing symptoms or improving patient quality of life (QoL). Burning sensation and dysgeusia were the most frequently reported side effects. Onset of action and effectiveness after onset were the main switching drivers. Although two-thirds of physicians were satisfied with the overall effectiveness of CYC and LIF, all physicians agreed that more DED treatment options are needed, with >50% strongly agreeing.

Conclusion

Physicians perceived a gap in DED management with currently available topical anti-inflammatory agents. Although satisfaction with CYC and LIF was high, few physicians considered these medications to be effective in managing symptoms or improving QoL.

Treatment Satisfaction Among Patients Using Anti-Inflammatory Topical Medications for Dry Eye Disease

Purpose

To assess patient satisfaction among current and former users of the anti-inflammatory topical medications, cyclosporine A 0.05% (CYC) and lifitegrast 5.0% (LIF), for the management of dry eye disease (DED).

Patients and Methods

Patients with DED were recruited via physician referral to participate in a survey. Current users of CYC or LIF were asked to rate their experience in terms of satisfaction, side effects, and limitation of activities. Switchers of CYC to LIF or LIF to CYC were asked to rate the importance of potential reasons for switching.

Results

Surveys were completed by 207 patients currently treated with CYC (n=98), LIF (n=96), or other DED medications (n=13). Although overall satisfaction with current treatment was high, current users of CYC and LIF reported ineffective relief of DED symptoms (31% and 22%, respectively) and dissatisfaction with the time to onset of effect (29% and 11%). Substantial proportions of patients reported ‘sometimes’, “usually”, or ‘always’ experiencing the following side effects: burning sensation (72% CYC, 64% LIF), itching (43% CYC, 44% LIF), altered sensation of taste (21% CYC, 56% LIF), blurred vision (37% CYC, 50% LIF), and discharge (28% CYC, 30% LIF). Of the 30 switchers of CYC to LIF and 31 switchers of LIF to CYC, the majority reported inability to relieve DED symptoms as a very or extremely important switching reason. Despite switching, one in four patients were somewhat dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their current medication, with 37% of patients reporting ineffective symptom relief.

Conclusion

Although the rate of overall satisfaction was generally high with both LIF and CYC, many patients were unable to achieve effective symptom relief and commonly experienced side effects. The proportion of patients who were dissatisfied and/or unable to achieve effective symptom relief even after switching suggests the need for additional treatment options for managing DED.

Toward better outcomes in Sjögren's syndrome: The promise of a stratified medicine approach

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease defined by its targeted inflammation of the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in dry mouth and eyes in the majority and persistent or recurrent salivary gland enlargement in a minority of those affected. Involvement of major organs, an increased risk of lymphoma, and autoantibodies against ubiquitous cellular ribonucleoproteins define some of its systemic features. Those affected have a high symptom burden and the development of disease-modifying therapies is thus an urgent need. A stratified medicine approach offers promise as a means of targeting specific therapies to patients for whom the mechanism of action is most relevant. Implementation of this approach will require an understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying different patient subsets, and then identifying or developing a drug that targets this pathway. Such therapies would be most effective if implemented early in the disease course before the advent of adverse outcomes or glandular damage. This review will provide a disease overview followed by an analysis of the feasibility of a stratified medicine approach, focusing on the disease heterogeneity, predictors of disease progression and adverse outcomes, and recent advances in the development of relevant outcome measures and new therapies.

Lifitegrast: a novel drug for patients with dry eye disease

The objective of this article is to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of lifitegrast and determine its role relative to other agents in the management of dry eye disease. A PubMed search (1946 to December 2018) using the terms lifitegrast and SAR 1118 was conducted to identify relevant articles. In vitro or in vivo evaluations of lifitegrast published in the English language were eligible for inclusion. Phase II and III trials were selected for review of efficacy and safety. Four randomized controlled trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast 0.5% ophthalmic solution for 12 weeks, and 1 additional trial assessed safety for 1 year. In a majority of the trials, lifitegrast caused statistically significant improvements in inferior corneal fluorescein staining scores and eye dryness scores. The most common adverse effects were eye irritation, dysgeusia, and reduced visual acuity, and most were mild to moderate in severity. Lifitegrast has a novel mechanism of action and is safe and effective for the treatment of dry eye disease. At this time, lifitegrast may be considered as an option for patients who have an inadequate response to artificial tears.

Safety and efficacy of lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution in contact lens discomfort

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution in improving contact lens discomfort (CLD) in patients wearing a low-modulus, nonionic, monthly replacement silicone hydrogel contact lenses (SHCLs).

Patients and methods

A single center, prospective, open-label study was undertaken on patients wearing monthly replacement, low modulus silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Best-corrected visual acuity (BVA), lissamine staining (LS) and eight item contact lens dry eye questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) scores were assessed at baseline and after 8-week therapy of twice-a-day lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution use. Pre- and Posttreatment data were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results

Twenty-one subjects (15 female and six male) with the mean age of 31.7 (±5.29) years completed the study. No reduction or statistically significant change in monocular BVA or LS scores was observed. Data showed a statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in total CLDEQ-8 score, questions 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B scores and nonstatistically significant reduction in questions 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 scores. Fifteen (n=15, 71.4%) study subjects found the therapy positive for their contact lens wear.

Conclusion

Data suggest the use of topical lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution twice a day may be a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for managing patients with CLD in SHCL users; however further research is indicated.