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Phase III trials examining the efficacy of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% compared to vehicle for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis in the conjunctival allergen challenge model
Authors Meier EJ, Torkildsen GL, Gomes PJ, Jasek MC
Received 30 August 2018
Accepted for publication 15 November 2018
Published 13 December 2018 Volume 2018:12 Pages 2617—2628
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S185835
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Scott Fraser
Edward J Meier,1 Gail L Torkildsen,2 Paul J Gomes,3 Mark C Jasek4
1Apex Eye, Mason, OH, USA; 2Andover Eye, Andover, MA, USA; 3Allergy, Ora, Inc., Andover, MA, USA; 4Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, TX, USA
Purpose: The purpose of these Phase III studies was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% compared with vehicle in the treatment of allergen-induced conjunctivitis using the Ora conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC)® model.
Methods: The single-center (Study 1) and multi-center (Study 2), double-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel group, CAC studies were conducted over ~5 weeks and four study visits. The study design only differed in entry criteria: Study 2 required more severe allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. Subjects were screened for an allergen response at Visits 1 and 2 and then randomized at Visit 3. Approximately 100 subjects were randomized in each study. The primary efficacy endpoints were ocular itching and conjunctival redness 15 minutes and 8 hours post-treatment, post-CAC.
Results: Cetirizine treatment administered 15 minutes or 8 hours prior to CAC resulted in significantly lower ocular itching at all time points post-CAC (P<0.0001) compared to vehicle in both studies. Conjunctival redness measured by the investigator was significantly lower after cetirizine treatment compared to vehicle at 7 minutes post-CAC at both 15 minutes and 8 hours post-treatment in both studies (P<0.05). All secondary endpoints were in favor and confirmatory of cetirizine efficacy with significant improvement in chemosis, eyelid swelling, tearing, ciliary redness, and episcleral redness, as well as nasal symptoms (rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ear or palatal pruritus, and nasal congestion) post-CAC. The most robust treatment differences were observed in Study 2 where more severe symptoms were required for study entry (P<0.05). No safety concerns for cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% were identified.
Conclusion: Cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% was shown to be efficacious in the treatment of ocular and nasal signs and symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. Clinical efficacy was demonstrated with a 15-minute onset of action and an ~8-hour duration of action.
Keywords: ocular allergy, cetirizine, ocular itching, safety, topical administration
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