Study finds NOV03 effective against dry eye disease

Data from a phase 3 randomised trial on the efficacy of NOV03 (perfluorohexyloctane) for signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction has found that the drops significantly reduced both signs and symptoms when compared to the group using hypotonic saline. 

NOV03, developed by Bausch+Lomb and Novaliq, was well tolerated among the 311 patients that received the drop during the trial. Researchers said statistically significant changes compared to the 309 patients using saline were seen as early as the second week. 

The Mojave study, published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, also reported a similar rate of ocular adverse events between NOV03 (12.9%) and saline (12.3%), with no adverse events leading to trial discontinuation.