Eye Drops to Replace Reading Glasses to Launch in india by October

india is set to introduce its first eye drops designed to eliminate the need for reading glasses by October. The drug regulatory agency has approved these drops after two years of deliberation.

On Tuesday, Entod Pharmaceuticals, based in Mumbai, launched “PresVu” eye drops. These drops contain pilocarpine, a compound that treats presbyopia—an age-related condition where the eyes lose their ability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable in a person’s mid-40s and worsens until around the late 60s. The drops work by reducing the size of the pupils, thereby improving close-up vision.

According to Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO of Entod Pharmaceuticals, a single drop starts working within 15 minutes and its effects last for up to six hours. If a second drop is applied within three to six hours of the first, the effects can be extended even further.

Previously, solutions for blurry near-vision were limited to reading glasses, contact lenses, or certain surgical procedures. Entod Pharmaceuticals, which specializes in ophthalmic, ENT, and dermatology medications and exports to over 60 countries, is now offering this new option.

Availability and Usage

Starting the first week of October, these prescription-only eye drops will be available in pharmacies at a cost of Rs 350. They are intended for individuals aged 40 to 55 with mild to intermediate presbyopia. The drops are specifically formulated for the indian population, differing from similar products available abroad, which were not tested on indian eyes.

The product will be dispensed only with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Entod Pharmaceuticals has begun training its sales team to educate doctors about the new product.

Clinical Trials and Post-Launch Plans

Masurkar detailed that the company applied for approval from the Drug Controller General of india (DCGI) in early 2022, followed by Phase III clinical trials conducted at ten sites across india with over 250 patients. The trials showed that 82% of participants experienced no side effects, while others reported minor and temporary issues such as eye irritation, redness, blurred vision, and headaches. These side effects resolved within a few days.

Although the study results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, Entod Pharmaceuticals plans to conduct post-marketing surveillance at major eye-care centers, including AIIMS in New Delhi, to further assess the medicine’s performance. The company aims to publish the results in medical journals eventually.