In September, our practice had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with St Andrew’s Hospital for a dry eye trial on a groundbreaking phase 3 FDA drug Vezocolmitide, a promising collagen replacement drug aimed at repairing corneal damage caused by dry eye. This trial is significant for those suffering from chromic dry eye, offering a potential new treatment that could drastically improve their quality of life.
Patient Participation and Trial Process
I was especially pleased to see so many of our clients participate – over 30 individuals took part in this 42-day study. The dry eye trial involved randomising the subjects, with half receiving Vezocolmitide, and the other half on a placebo, to ensure the results are scientifically valid.
Randomised study: Active Ingredient vs. Placebo
One of the more unique aspects of the study was the method used to stimulate a dry eye environment. Participants were placed in an air-controlled container for 90 minutes, which intensified their dry eye symptoms, allowing us to evaluate the drug’s effectiveness more precisely.
The trial was sponsored by Stuart Therapeutics and ORA, a leading global organisation in ophthalmic research, and working alongside them has been a valuable learning experience for me. Being part of a large-scale clinical trial pushed me out of my usual comfort zone and into a new and fascinating clinical environment.
Positive Results and Future Prospects for Dry Eye Trial
Our fantastic optometrist, Loucia Calder, was also actively involved in the study, and together we’ve been seeing positive results among some of the participants, giving us hope for the drug’s potential.
Given the success of the dry eye trial, it’s likely that another phase will follow. This opportunity has opened doors for both our practice and our patients, and I look forward to continuing our involvement in such innovative research.
Are you interested in participating in the dry eye trial? Email us info@adelaidecityoptometrist.com.au and we will send you more information