First approved lymphocyte function-associated antigen agonist
TUESDAY, July 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Xiidra (lifitegrast) eye drops have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of dry eye disease.
Clinical studies involving more than 1,000 patients found that those treated with Xiidra saw improvement in symptoms of dry eye compared to people given a placebo.
Xiidra is the first approved medication among a new class of dry-eye drugs: lymphocyte function-associated antigen agonists. Its most common side effects include eye irritation, blurred vision, and an unusual taste sensation. The drug has not been evaluated in children under 17, since dry eye rarely affects this age group, the FDA said.
“Normal tear production is needed for clear vision and eye health,” Edward Cox, M.D., director of the Office of Antimicrobial Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “This approval will provide a new treatment option for patients with dry eye disease.”
Xiidra is produced by Shire U.S., based in Lexington, Mass.
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