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Xiidra for dry eye now available in US
Shire announced that Xiidra, its twice-daily prescription eye drop that is FDA-approved for the treatment of dry eye disease, is now available by prescription in the U.S., according to a press release from the company.
The FDA approved Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% on July 11.
The active ingredient in Xiidra, lifitegrast, binds to the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), a cell surface protein found on leukocytes, and blocks the interaction of LFA-1 with its cognate ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). ICAM-1 may be overexpressed in corneal and conjunctival tissues in patients with dry eye disease, according to the release.
Shire also launched patient-focused resources to share information about coverage and savings. Ask iiris (1-844-my-iiris) is a phone service offering live-person responses to questions regarding information about insurance coverage, benefits, co-pays and availability in pharmacies, according to the release.
Xiidra iinsider is an optional program where patients can receive special offers via text or email.