Dry Eye FACTS: first line therapies are tried by nearly all sufferers

The causes of dry eye disease and degrees of severity in patients vary widely. Today there is no single silver bullet that can resolve the troublesome effects of dry eye disease for all sufferers. So how do patients seek relief and what type of effective therapies exist?

Before turning to an ophthalmologist, patients generally look to simple over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as artificial tears or gels sold at the corner grocery store or pharmacy. We refer to them as first line therapies. They are often products that contain water and other lubricants to provide temporary relief of symptoms such as dryness, foreign body sensation, pain etc. Consumers choose therapies based on their ability to reduce symptoms and price, while increasing convenience. Roughly 80% of dry eye sufferers try artificial tears as first line therapy.

Many doctors first recommend artificial tears before prescribing medications such as cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and other compounds that can reduce symptoms but could have unwanted side effects associated with a patient’s immune system. Often times doctors also recommend use of first line therapies in combination with prescription medications to achieve a better therapeutic effect and quality of life for patients.

RP501 represents a clinically proven, next-generation first line therapy that builds upon the advantages of artificial tears and gels. Based on the IntelliGel platform, this thermogel is easily applied like liquid eye drops, but provides longer-lasting relief like gels by staying on the front of the eye longer. Applied to the front of the eye, the heat of the eye causes the therapy to form a thin gel, thus providing moisturizing water and surface protection. Clinical tests have shown significant therapeutic effect in both a basket of subjective and objective measures.

The demand for new treatments is growing with an ageing population and increasing screen times associated with smartphone and computer use. RP501 is well-positioned to help the growing number of sufferers with a clinically proven product giving longer lasting efficacy, especially 30-40% of sufferers who are dissatisfied with current therapies. 

For further information

Martin Vidaeus – CEO, Phone: +46 70-232 29 29

Email: martin.vidaeus@redwoodpharma.com

About Redwood Pharma

Redwood Pharma develops ophthalmic products for unmet medical needs through novel approaches. In providing commercial partners and their customers with effective medical solutions, the Company is currently developing treatments for dry eye disease in various target patient populations. The RP101 program targets moderate-to-severe dry eye disease in post-menopausal women by delivering a low-dose estrogen therapy to the front of the eye. The RP501 program aims to treat milder forms of dry eye in a broader patient population including both men and women of all ages. For other potential drug substances and therapeutic areas, the Company can employ the IntelliGel drug delivery platform that enhances patient convenience by controlling dosing and potentially reducing the number of instillations per day and subsequent side-effects. Redwood Pharma leverages its strengths in early clinical development and aims to generate revenues through, among others, licensing agreements with companies that have capabilities to manufacture and sell medical products worldwide.

Redwood Pharma AB (publ) is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth stock market (Ticker: REDW.ST, ISIN: SE008294789).

For more information visit: www.redwoodpharma.com

2022-03-25