Antimicrobial drug tested

A new treatment for viral conjunctivitis started Phase II trials this week.

In a multi-centre randomised placebo-controlled trial, 250 patients will be enrolled to assess the use of the drug NVC-422, one of a group of patented Aganocide compounds (from Alcon).

The Aganocides appear to have effective broad spectrum antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and, though usually dealt with as self-limiting, can lead to corneal compromise or secondary infection.

Dr Sabri Markabi, of Alcon, stated: 'Dual action against viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is important because when an infection is diagnosed it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to determine the exact underlying cause and treat it properly.'