Sun Pharma introduces first dry eye treatment -CEQUAâ€

27 Jan 2022 , 10:13 AM

Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sun Pharma Canada on Thursday has announced the launch of CEQUA, a new treatment for Canadians living with dry eye disease.

CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% w/v), a calcineurin inhibitor immunomodulator, is the first dry eye treatment available in Canada that is delivered with nanomicellar (NCELL) technology, which improves the bioavailability and physicochemical stability of cyclosporine to increase ocular tissue penetration.

“We are excited to introduce CEQUA as a new treatment option for the more than six million Canadians living with dry eye disease1,” said Abhay Gandhi, CEO North America, Sun Pharma.

He further added, “This launch is an important milestone for Sun Pharma as we expand our ophthalmics portfolio into Canada and it demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative medicines to support patient and physician choice.”

“We are delighted to see availability of a new product to many Canadians suffering from keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye disease,” said W. Bruce Jackson, MD, former Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University and the University of Ottawa.

In addition to its previous prevalence amongst Canadians, a recent report from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has shown that rates of dry eye disease are on the rise due to an increase in mask-wearing, which can lead to dry spots on the ocular surface.

CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% w/v) is a calcineurin inhibitor immunomodulator indicated to increase tear production in patients with moderate to severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). It uses nanomicellar technology, which penetrates the aqueous layer of the tear film in the eye and breaks up to release cyclosporine to penetrate ocular tissues.

Sun Pharmaceuticals is currently trading at Rs797 per piece down by Rs10 or 1.24% from its previous closing of Rs807 on the BSE.