Verkazia (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.1% eye drops for treating VKC. Click image to enlarge.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is uncomfortable to its young patients and can damage the ocular surface if left untreated. A variety of steroids and antihistamines are typically prescribed to manage the rare condition. A new contending therapeutic—Verkazia—is a cyclosporine 0.1% emulsion that blocks release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, manufacturer Santen says. The company announced the product launch today. It is available immediately.

Clinical trials of Verkazia demonstrated improvements in corneal inflammation (keratitis score) and ocular itching, a press release explained. The company also noted that the most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of patients and typically during instillation, were eye pain (12%) and eye itch (8%). 

In addition to providing VKC patients with symptomatic relief, it may also mitigate their chance of developing vision-threatening complications such as shield ulcers, according to Santen.

For more information, visit www.verkazia.com.