Lacrifill canalicular gel from Nordic Pharma releases in the US

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/gorina_anna)

Nordic Group BV’s subsidiary Nordic Pharma announced the commercial launching of its Lacrifill canalicular gel, a novel therapy for dry eye disease (DED) in the US.¹ The gel is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative and has been cleared by the FDA to temporarily block tear drainage by the occlusion of the canalicular system, according to a news release.

“It’s been so exciting to be part of the launch of Lacrifill Canalicular Gel, an interventional dry eye treatment that helps ophthalmologists with cataract, glaucoma and refractive surgeries and all of their dry eye needs. This dry eye therapy is truly changing practice and changing lives.” said Chief Commercial Officer of Eye Care U.S., Jai Parekh, MD, MBA, in the release.

The gel treatment is customized for each patient to ensure the canalicular system is fully filled.¹ Treatment, which is reimbursable through CPT code 68761, is administered through an in-office procedure and remains effective for 6 months, according to the release.

The commercial launch of Lacrifill follows the findings of a proof-of-concept pilot study of the gel, which involved 63 patients with DED. The study found that 83% of participants experienced no pain, 94% of participants had on infections, and 63% reported that their eye felt better after treatment. Additionally, a randomized non-inferiority clinical trial found that 7.8% of participant eyes demonstrated an increase in corneal staining, with 5.8% of participants reporting some degree of discomfort during the procedure. This study randomly assigned participants 2:1 to treatment of either Lacrifill or Oasis form fit.²

Lacrifill then joins Nordic Pharma’s 2 other products: Clinitas, eye drops for the symptoms of DED, and Biolon and Biolon Prime, ophthalmic viscoelastic devices to provide aid in cataract and other ophthalmic surgery.³

“Lacrifill canalicular gel is a disruptive technology that will change how ophthalmologists practice,” said Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, program director for Kiawah Eye and chairperson of the Lacrifill US Medical Advisory Board, in the release. Nordic Pharma attended Kiawah Eye 2024 in Kiawah Island, South Carolina from May 30-June 1 to share information about Lacrifill canalicular gel and take orders.

References:

1. Nordic Group BV through its subsidiary Nordic Pharma, Inc. (US), announces the launch of Lacrifill canalicular gel, a novel therapy for dry eye. News release. Nordic Pharma. May 29, 2024. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://www.nordicpharma.com/nordic-group-b-v-through-its-subsidiary-nordic-pharma-inc-u-s-announces-the-launch-of-lacrifill-canalicular-gel-a-novel-therapy-for-dry-eye/

2. What the research shows. Lacrifill. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://lacrifill.com/clinical-trial-and-product-data

3. Our Products. Nordic Pharma. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://www.nordicpharma.com/our-products/#ophthalmology