One of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' wholly-owned subsidiaries has commercialised CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09% in the United States, it was reported yesterday.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CEQUA, which offers the highest concentration of cyclosporine for ophthalmic use and is indicated to increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is claimed to be the first and only FDA-approved cyclosporine treatment delivered with nanomicellar technology, which helps to improve the bioavailability and physicochemical stability of cyclosporine, resulting in improved ocular tissue penetration.

Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, director of cornea services at the Kentucky Eye Institute in Lexington, said, 'Keratoconjunctivitis sicca causes symptoms of burning, stinging, itching, grittiness, and dryness, underscoring the need for tolerable drug therapy with a fast onset of action. The CEQUA clinical study results strengthen the rationale for using this product as a means to penetrate the tear film and improve drug delivery of cyclosporine into the eye.'