FDA OKs Shire’s Eye-Care Drug
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Shire’s Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Xiidra is the first medication in a new class of drugs, called lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonist, approved by the FDA for dry eye disease.
Dry eye disease includes a group of conditions in which the eye does not produce an adequate volume of tears or when the tears are not of the correct consistency. The chance of experiencing dry eye increases with age, affecting approximately 5% of the adult population age 30-40 and 10 to 15% of adults over age 65, and is more common among women. When severe and left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers or scars on the part of the eye called the cornea. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments.
