Entod Pharma In Final Stages To Develop Eye Drop That Can Treat Presbyopia
Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Entod Pharmaceuticals is in the final stages of developing an eye drop that could change the lives of millions with age-related blurred near vision, a condition known as presbyopia. It usually affects people mostly over 40 years of age. Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens in the eye gets less flexible which leads to gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.
The company says these eye drops have the potential to replace reading glasses for people who have trouble seeing close-up as they age. As per studies, these eye drops have been shown to improve close-up vision within 15 minutes, with one drop in each eye providing sharper vision for 6 to 10 hours. Clinical studies carried out worldwide have also shown promising results including in the US.
“These eye drops, called PresVu, would be the first of its kind in India to treat presbyopia to be developed by our DSIR approved laboratory. Detailed findings from studies and clinical trials would soon be presented to the DCGI to initiate the regulatory approval process in India. Following approval, we intend to manufacture these eye drops under the “Make in India” initiative and launch it across the country and worldwide at an affordable price. We intend to make this eye drop available as a less expensive alternative to spectacles.” said Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharma.
Ophthalmologist Dr Rishi Swarup, Director, Swarup Eye Centre, Hyderabad, Clinical studies have shown that such eye drops work best in people between the age of 40 to 55 years for mild to intermediate cases of presbyopia, thereby temporarily correcting vision problems. "It is important that such eye drops once approved should strictly only be prescribed by an eye doctor after a thorough consultation and diagnosis of presbyopia. Although by no means a complete cure, these eye drops could prove to be a useful tool in the management of presbyopia for which there is currently no medical treatment except correction through reading glasses," he said.
