Ciclosporin Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.1%: A Review in Severe Dry Eye Disease

Ciclosporin ophthalmic emulsion 0.1% (hereafter referred to as ciclosporin 0.1%) [Ikervis®] is an unpreserved cationic emulsion formulation containing an 0.1% concentration of ciclosporin. It has been approved in various countries worldwide, including those of the EU, for the treatment of severe keratitis in adults with dry eye disease, which has not improved despite treatment with tear substitutes. In a multinational, phase III study in this patient population, once-daily ciclosporin 0.1% was associated with statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in the signs (corneal surface damage and ocular surface inflammation) of dry eye disease relative to vehicle during the first 6-month treatment period. These beneficial effects were maintained or improved in a subsequent 6-month period, with data suggesting sustainability following treatment discontinuation in a 24-month, phase III extension study. Ciclosporin 0.1% was well tolerated in these studies, with instillation-site pain (which was mostly mild in severity) being the most frequently reported ocular treatment-related adverse event. There were no findings to suggest the systemic absorption of ciclosporin. Thus, once-daily ciclosporin 0.1% is an effective and well tolerated option for the treatment of severe keratitis in adults with dry eye disease.