Key takeaways:
- The TRPM8 receptor agonist increases natural tear production as early as day 1.
- Alcon also launched a campaign with educational resources for eye care professionals.
Alcon launched Tryptyr, a treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, in the U.S.
Tryptyr (acoltremon ophthalmic solution 0.003%) is a TRPM8 receptor agonist that showed a “statistically significant increase in natural tear production as early as day 1” in the phase 3 COMET-2 and COMET-3 studies, according to a press release.
The FDA approved Tryptyr to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye in May.
In addition, Alcon launched a campaign focused on the efficacy of the drop in increasing the speed of natural tear production, including videos and interactive websites for eye care professionals and patients. The Tryptyr launch coincides with “expansive access initiatives,” including a management team to assist providers with fulfillment and a “First Fill Free” trial program for patients. Eligible patients will also receive ongoing copay support for refills, Alcon said in the release.
“Tryptyr is highly anticipated in the dry eye disease treatment space as the first neuromodulator eye drop to rapidly increase natural tear production, as early as day 1,” Lisa Praeger, vice president, general manager, U.S. ocular health pharmaceutical at Alcon, said in the release. “As the global eye care leader with a comprehensive portfolio of dry eye products — from over-the-counter offerings to prescription therapies — Alcon is uniquely positioned to deliver this innovation to eye care professionals and the millions of patients who need dry eye disease relief. Leveraging our deep commercial expertise and specialized sales force, we’re excited to give broader access to this important new treatment option.”
As Healio previously reported, the FDA approved Tryptyr for the treatment of dry eye disease signs and symptoms in May.
Perspective
The release of Tryptyr is an exciting development for dry eye because it is a drug with a completely new mechanism of action that uses a topical drop to trigger TRPM8 cold receptors on the surface of the eye.
Like Tyrvaya nasal spray (varenicline solution, Viatris), it promises to trigger the lacrimal functional unit, causing a patient’s own tears to be produced for many hours after administration. The clinical trials tell us this drug will cause a perceptible sensation when it is administered, which should tell patients it is working without producing real discomfort.
Useful applications may include patients preparing for surgery, patients who want a quicker response than typical anti-inflammatory medications and those who spend long hours on digital devices. Time and experience, of course, will show us the best uses of this promising new offering.
John A. Hovanesian, MD, FACS
Harvard Eye Associates, Laguna Hills, California
Disclosures: Hovanesian reports being a consultant and stockholder for Alcon.
