Can-C (N-acetylcarnosine, Innovative Vision Products) eye drops for senile cataracts has obtained a U.S. patent. First launched in 2003, Can-C “offers an effective alternative to cataract extraction surgery,” according to the company. Can-C contains a natural dipeptide known as N-acetylcarnosine, which delivers L-carnosine into the aqueous humor of the eye. Carnosine is a known antioxidant that may protect structural lens proteins from the oxidation process induced by free radicals.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals is no longer making the twice-daily NSAID Xibrom (bromfenac 0.09%). Instead, the company is replacing the product with once-daily Bromday (bromfenac 0.09%), indicated for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract extraction. The FDA approved Bromday in October 2010. Under the Hatch-Waxman Act, Bromday has been granted three years of marketing exclusivity and the FDA may not approve a generic version of the drug until October 2013.

Patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who received monthly Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genetech) injections achieved significantly higher improvement in vision (BCVA) of at least 15 letters at 24 months compared to those in a placebo injection control group. These results come from one of two Phase III studies evaluating monthly Lucentis for patients with DME. Results of this study, known as RISE, were presented at the 34th Annual Macula Society Meeting in early March.