Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatment
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye caused by exposure to an allergen such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or pet dander. Some medications and cosmetics can also cause ocular inflammation. Allergic conjunctivitis affects approximately 100 million people in the United States and is becoming more widespread.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are red, swollen, itchy, burning, watery eyes, and ocular irritation.
Other symptoms include:
- Runny or itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sinus headache
- Temporary blurred vision
- A feeling of being tired, distracted, and unproductive
Treatment Options
There is no cure for allergic conjunctivitis and symptoms are commonly treated by allergy medications such as antihistamines, or in more severe cases steroid eye drops. However, these treatments don’t work or may not be appropriate for everyone. Therefore, there is a need for treatment alternatives.
The Potential of Reproxalap for Allergic Conjunctivitis
In patients with allergic conjunctivitis, allergen exposure triggers an inflammatory reaction and releases a substance called histamine. Many patients on antihistamines do not find complete resolution and relief because many other compounds are also released in response to allergen exposure. One of the compounds is a substance called reactive aldehyde species (RASP). RASP may be part of the allergic response, initiating inflammation on the surface of the eyes, leading to the itchiness and redness commonly seen in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. We’re taking a new approach to treating eye inflammation by developing our lead candidate, reproxalap, to reduce RASP levels.
Clinical Trial News
We previously announced positive data from our Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical trials of reproxalap ophthalmic solution in allergic conjunctivitis. The results show that reproxalap clinically improved ocular itching in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
In March 2019, we announced positive phase 3 results from the ALLEVIATE Trial for allergic conjunctivitis. In the second half of 2019, we plan to meet with regulatory authorities to discuss the ALLEVIATE clinical trial results and remaining clinical requirements for a potential submission of a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
