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
In April 2023, we announced the completion of enrollment in the Phase 3 INVIGORATE-2 clinical trial of topical ocular reproxalap, a first-in-class investigational new drug candidate, for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
The randomized, double-masked, crossover, vehicle-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial enrolled 131 seasonal allergic conjunctivitis patients who were evaluated for 3.5 hours in an allergen chamber designed to simulate real-world pollen exposure. Consistent with pivotal trials of approved allergic conjunctivitis products, the primary endpoint of INVIGORATE-2 is patient-reported ocular itching. Top-line results from the trial are expected in the second quarter of 2023.
