Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Treatment for Children and Adults

Verkazia® is the first and only topical immunomodulator approved for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) for children and adults.1 VKC is a rare ocular condition that mainly affects children and adolescents.2,3 Unlike seasonal ocular conjunctivitis, VKC causes severe ocular surface inflammation that may lead to vision loss.2

Verkazia is a prescription-only eye drop containing 0.1% cyclosporine—a molecule shown to be effective in the management of VKC.1,4 It is uniquely formulated as a cationic ophthalmic emulsion, which improves corneal bioavailability of cyclosporine.1,5 Verkazia works by inhibiting T-cell activation along with reducing the level of immune cells and mediators that cause the chronic, severe, and potentially debilitating allergic ocular surface inflammation in those affected by VKC.1,2,4

References:

  1. Verkazia [package insert]. Emeryville, CA: Santen Inc.; 2021.
  2. Leonardi A, Doan S, Amrane M, et al; for VEKTIS Study Group. A randomized, controlled trial of cyclosporine A cationic emulsion in pediatric vernal keratoconjunctivitis: the VEKTIS study. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(5):671-681. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.12.027. 
  3. Bonini S, Coassin M, Aronni S, Lambiase A. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Eye (Lond). 2004;18(4):345–351. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6700675. 
  4. Leonardi A, Doan S, Amrane M, et al; for VEKTIS Study Group. A randomized, controlled trial of cyclosporine A cationic emulsion in pediatric vernal keratoconjunctivitis: the VEKTIS study. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(5):671-681. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.12.027.
  5. Lallemand F, Daull P, Benita S, Buggage R, Garrigue J-S. Successfully improving ocular drug delivery using the cationic nanoemulsion, Novasorb. J Drug Deliv. 2012;604204. doi:10.1155/2012/604204.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Verkazia® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.1% is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children and adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Potential for eye injury and contamination
: To avoid the potential for eye injury and contamination, advise patient not to touch the vial tip to the eye or other surfaces.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of patients were eye pain (12%) and eye pruritus (8%), which were usually transitory and occurred during instillation.
You are encouraged to report adverse reactions of prescription drugs to Santen 1-855-7-SANTEN (1-855-772-6836). Or you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. Visit http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information.