Starpharma Holdings Limited Received a Patent for SPL7013 Ophthalmic Drops for Viral Conjunctivitis Drugs Market

 

The growing incidence of viral conjunctivitis cases is driving the growth of the viral conjunctivitis drugs market. According to National Center for Biotechnology: 2017, adenovirus is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis and up to 70% of cases of acute conjunctivitis are viral. The number of individuals affected by viral conjunctivitis is estimated to be as high as 15 to 20 million per year in the U.S. Additionally, a rising number of research and development activities for enhancing the effectiveness of viral conjunctivitis drugs is again projected to accelerate the growth of the market. For instance, in 2019, iVIEW Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage ophthalmology drug development company, announced the dosing of the first patient in Phase II clinical trial. iVIEW Therapeutics Inc. is testing the safety and efficacy of the IVIEW-1201 in patients (age ≥15 years) for the treatment of acute adenoviral conjunctivitis.

In 2018, Starpharma Holdings Limited, a company headquartered in Australia, received a patent for SPL7013 ophthalmic drops for viral conjunctivitis from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent has been granted to the company due to its broad claims for treating and preventing microbial infections of the eye, including adenoviral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and other eye infections

In April 2020, Ocular Therapeutix™, Inc. a biopharmaceutical company focused on the formulation for diseases and conditions of the eye, announced topline results from its Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEXTENZA® for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis (AC).

North America is expected to hold a dominant position in the global viral conjunctivitis drugs market due to growing product approval in the region. For instance, on February 23, 2021, Bausch + Lomb launched Alaway Preservative Free (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.035%) antihistamine eye drops. It is indicated to relieve eye itchiness caused due to conjunctivitis. Moreover, it is the first over-the-counter (OTC) preservative-free antihistamine eye itch relief drop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Viral conjunctivitis can result from a viral infection with one or more known fungal pathogens. Commonly, the infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is found commonly in the eyes; the nose, throat, and sinuses. A group of related species also cause systemic infection of the skin, lungs, and blood vessels. These species include E. coli, which is responsible for food poisoning, and the common respiratory tract infection flu. Other yeasts also produce conjunctivitis, including Candida albicans, which causes infections of the bladder and other mucous membranes. Apart from antiviral agents, the global conjunctivitis market is also flooded with topical agents such as steroids, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid.