04 November 2015
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended ciclosporin eye drops, marketed as Ikervis by Santen Pharmaceutical, to treat severe keratitis in patients with dry eye disease.
NICE had previously published preliminary recommendations for the treatment in June, calling for more evidence from Santen earlier in the year.
The latest guidance from the regulatory body, published today (4 November) states that it is satisfied with the evidence that the drops help patients increase their eyes’ natural ability to produce tears and reduces inflammation in the eye. The final draft guidance is available on the NICE website.
Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, Professor Carole Longson, said: “Severe dry eye disease is painful and can have a significant negative effect on day-to-day life for people with the condition.”
Professor Longson added: “The company responded to the requests in the draft guidance for more information, and we are pleased, therefore, to be able to recommend ciclosporin for adults with severe dry eye disease in final draft guidance published today. I am sure this will be welcome news to patients and healthcare professionals alike.”
The treatment was accepted by the Scottish medicines regulator last month.
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