Ophthalmologists debate Oxervate vs. neurotization for neurotrophic keratopathy

ByHunter Firment

Fact checked byChristine Klimanskis, ELS

MONTEREY, Calif. — There is more than one way to treat neurotrophic keratopathy.

In a debate on the topic at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, Fasika Woreta, MD, MPH, argued for Dompé’s Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) as the preferred treatment, while Michelle Latting, MD, argued for neurotization.

Close up eye — There is more than one way to treat neurotrophic keratopathy. In a debate on the topic, Fasika Woreta, MD, MPH, argued for Dompé’s Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) as the preferred treatment, while Michelle Latting, MD, argued for neurotization.
*Source: Adobe Stock.*

“There are numerous studies showing the effectiveness of the medication,” Woreta said, citing, for one, a study by Leyla Yavuz Saricay, MD, and colleagues published in Ophthalmology that shows the capacity of cenegermin to improve corneal staining and visual acuity, as well as increase corneal nerve density at 8 weeks in stage 1 neurotrophic keratopathy.

“We know that medication works. We know it’s well tolerated with minimal side effects. And who wouldn’t want to try this prior to surgery?” Woreta said.

Fasika Woreta

Michelle Latting

In her argument for neurotization, Latting said technical difficulty is moderate, surgical morbidity is minimal with current techniques, and results are long lasting.

“I agree that nonsurgical alternatives are always a great option for patients when it is accessible to them, but the issue with Oxervate is the cost,” Latting said, estimating a course of treatment to cost $90,000 to $100,000.

Even though there is a “robust program” for helping patients with copays, costs are burdensome also for the health care system, she said.

“I think that corneal neurotization is a cost-effective therapeutical approach that does not involve the same financial burdens of the health care system, and it is a great first choice for patients until the cost of Oxervate is more affordable,” she said.

Reference:

Saricay LY, et al. Ophthalmology. 2022;doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.08.014.

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Sources/Disclosures

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Source:

Oculoplastics vs. cornea. Neurotrophic keratopathy Oxervate vs. neurotization. Presented at: Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium; Aug. 25-28, 2022; Monterey, California (hybrid meeting).

Disclosures: Latting and Woreta report no relevant financial disclosures.

Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium

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Ophthalmologists debate Oxervate vs. neurotization for neurotrophic keratopathy

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