Neurotrophic Keratitis (NK) is a rare eye disorder that affects the corneal sensation leading to a loss in vision. Till date, only invasive surgeries and palliative treatments were available to treat the disease. But now, there is a major breakthrough in this regard since the US-FDA has approved the Italian company Dompé’s eye drop, Oxervate in order to treat NK.

Oxervate is the first topical eye drop approved against NK. It resembles the human nerve growth factor (NGF) which stimulates the growth and recovery of corneal epithelial cells. In clinical studies, it was found that Oxervate can heal an affected cornea in 70% of patients in 8 weeks.

Reza Dana, professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and Dompé’s medical adviser, said “By directly promoting corneal healing, Oxervate has the potential to change the way neurotrophic keratitis is treated, and may eventually result in a new standard of care for patients with this rare condition.” 

Oxervate is the first therapy to be sold in the US market, which already received the European nod one year before. Regarding the cost, Sergio Dompé, the chairman of Dompé said, “the company is speaking with insurers and providers in the U.S. to make sure that they price Oxervate in a way that makes it available to patients, and also reflects its first-in-class nature and potential to completely heal NK.”