Sun Pharma (SUNP IN, NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and includes its subsidiaries or associate companies), announced successful Phase 3 confirmatory clinical trial results for Seciera™ (cyclosporine A, 0.09% ophthalmic solution).
For the treatment of dry eye disease. Seciera™ is a patented, novel, proprietary nanomicellar formulation of cyclosporine A 0.09%. It is a clear, preservative-free, aqueous solution. Seciera™ is being developed by Ocular Technologies, a company recently acquired by Sun Pharma.
Following this acquisition, Sun Pharma owns exclusive, worldwide rights to Seciera™ and is developing it to commercialize for global markets including US, Europe, and Japan, as well as several emerging markets.
In this 12 week, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle controlled Phase 3 confirmatory study, 744 dry eye patients were treated either with Seciera™, or its vehicle. After 12 weeks of treatment, as compared to vehicle, Seciera™ showed statistically significant improvement in the primary end point, Schirmer’s score (a measurement of tear production) (p<0.0001). The demonstration of efficacy by Seciera™ at 12 weeks is earlier than other drugs approved for dry eye in the same class.1
Additionally, several key secondary endpoints showed statistically significant improvements compared to vehicle with some showing an even earlier onset of action. Adverse events reported in the trial were mild to moderate in nature and similar to other approved drugs in the category.1-3 As Sun continues to analyze the data, additional significant findings will be shared at upcoming medical conferences.
Previously, in a completed Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in 455 patients, Seciera™ demonstrated a rapid onset of action and was well tolerated by the study population. Based on published data, the efficacy and safety endpoints in these trials compared favorably to other formulations of cyclosporine A with the advantage of early onset. 1
According to Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharma, “We are happy to see the early onset of action and strong efficacy results for Seciera™. These results are highly encouraging for millions of Dry Eye patients4-6 across the globe that have yet to find relief for their condition. We look forward to discussing these results with US FDA and agree on next steps for the program.”
“I am very excited to see these strong results for Seciera™,” noted Dr. Joseph Tauber, Study Investigator and founder of the Tauber Eye Center, Kansas City, Missouri. “As a clinician who specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye, this novel formulation of cyclosporine A would be a unique and welcome addition to our armamentarium to treat these patients”.
Jerry St. Peter, Vice President and Head of Sun Ophthalmics, added: “A key strategic imperative for our ophthalmic business is to participate in the rapidly growing, underserved, and dynamic Dry Eye market, which is expected to reach $5 billion by 2020.7 Based on this successful
confirmatory Phase 3 trial, Seciera™ has the potential to strengthen our emerging ophthalmics pipeline, which includes the recent launch of BromSite™ and late stage development programs for Xelpros™ and DexaSite™.”
About Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease, as defined by the National Health Institute (NHI), occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. 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,
such as the air inside an airplane. Other names for dry eye include dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, evaporative tear deficiency, aqueous tear deficiency, and LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy (LNE).
About Sun Ophthalmics
Backed by Sun Pharma’s global expertise in R&D, Sun Ophthalmics (the branded ophthalmics division of Sun Pharma’s wholly owned subsidiary) is leading the way through the development of innovative products and in partnership with eye care professionals. Sun Ophthalmics recently launched BromSite™ (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.075% in US for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and prevention of ocular pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Other candidates in Sun Ophthalmics development pipeline include Xelpros™ (latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution), being explored for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and DexaSite™ (dexamethasone) 0.1%, being explored for the treatment of blepharitis. Sun Ophthalmics’ dedicated team is focused solely on the needs of eye care professionals, offering timely, knowledgeable support at every turn. It is striving to deliver products built on unique platforms that integrate seamlessly into the eye care practice, helping eye care professionals to continue providing quality medicine. Discover a brighter future in eye care at www.sunophthalmics.com
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