ASCRS 2023: Cenegermin 0.002%: effective for corneal nerve regeneration in neurotrophic keratitis

For each evaluation, 3 representatives in vivo confocal microscopy images were selected and graded in a masked fashion for total, main, and branch nerve density. (Image Credit: AdobeStock/kkolosov)

According to research by a team from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, cenegermin-bkbj ophthalmic solution 0.002% (Oxervate, Dompé) had a positive effect on corneal nerve regeneration and sensation in patients with neurotrophic keratitis.

Ana Balbuena-Pareja, MSc, and the team of investigators reported their findings at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting in San Diego.

The authors carried out a retrospective study of patients treated at the New England Eye Center for neurotrophic keratitis from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2022. All eligible patients completed a minimum of 4 weeks of treatment with cenegermin 0.002% and had in vivo confocal microscopy images taken before and after treatment available.

For each evaluation, 3 representatives in vivo confocal microscopy images were selected and graded in a masked fashion for total, main, and branch nerve density.

The group comprised of 25 patients with neurotrophic keratitis (mean age, 64.2; 28.0% male) and the control group that included 20 patients (mean age, 58.4; 40%male) were similar in age and sex.

The results showed that the median total, main, and branch nerve densities were lower in the neurotrophic keratitis group before treatment, respectively, 2,301.0, 1,653.5, and 547.9 µm/mm² compared with the respective controls values, 22,253.7, 10,130.95, and 12,080.9 (p < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Following treatment with cenegermin, the densities increased to 5,306.7 for total (p = 0.004), main 3,452.0 (p = 0.005), and branch 1,987.9 (p = 0.019) nerve densities. Corneal sensation also increased after treatment from 2.3 cm to 4.1 cm (p = 0.001).

The authors concluded that the patients with neurotrophic keratitis who were treated for at least 4 weeks with cenegermin 0.002% had an overall increase in the total, main, and branch nerve densities. These results also demonstrated a significant increase in corneal sensation after cenegermin treatment.