OCULAR THERAPEUTIX,INC. (NASDAQ:OCUL) Files An 8-K Other EventsItem 8.01 Other Events.
On December3, 2018, Ocular Therapeutix,Inc. (the “Company”) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved its New Drug Application (“NDA”) for DEXTENZA®. DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) 0.4mg is for intracanalicular use for the treatment of ocular pain following ophthalmic surgery.
DEXTENZA®Label
DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of ocular pain following ophthalmic surgery.
DEXTENZA is a preservative-free ophthalmic insert that is inserted in the lower lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. A single DEXTENZA releases a 0.4 mg dose of dexamethasone for up to 30 days following insertion.
DEXTENZA is resorbable and does not require removal. Saline irrigation or manual expression can be performed to remove the insert if necessary. DEXTENZA is intended for single-use only.
DEXTENZA was studied in two randomized, multicenter, double-masked, parallel group, vehicle-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials, with patients receiving DEXTENZA or its vehicle immediately upon completion of cataract surgery. In Study 1, 80% of DEXTENZA-treated patients (n=164) were pain-free at Day 8 compared to 43% of vehicle-treated patients (n=83) (p<0.0001). In Study 2, 77% of DEXTENZA-treated patients (n=161) were pain-free at Day 8 compared to 59% of vehicle-treated patients (n=80) (p=0.025).
Safety was assessed from the two Phase 3 clinical trials and a Phase 2 clinical trial. Overall, 351 subjects were exposed to DEXTENZA. The most common ocular adverse reactions in subjects treated with DEXTENZA were: anterior chamber inflammation including iritis and iridocyclitis (9%), increased intraocular pressure (5%), reduced visual acuity (2%), eye pain (1%), cystoid macular edema (1%), corneal edema (1%), and conjunctival hyperemia (1%). The most common non-ocular adverse event was headache (1%).
DEXTENZA®Important Safety Information
DEXTENZA is contraindicated in patients with active corneal, conjunctival or canalicular infections, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella; mycobacterial infections; fungal diseases of the eye; and dacryocystitis.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. Steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma and intraocular pressure should be monitored during treatment.
Corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard for secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions, steroids may mask infection and enhance existing infection.
Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex).
Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use. Fungal culture should be taken when appropriate.
Use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation.
Forward Looking Statements
Any statements in this Current Report on Form8-K about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including the commercialization of ReSure Sealant, DEXTENZA®or any of the Company’s product candidates, development and regulatory status of the Company’s product candidates, such as the Company’s regulatory submissions for and the timing and conduct of, or implications of results from, clinical trials of DEXTENZA for the treatment of post-surgical ocular inflammation and the prospects for approvability of DEXTENZA for post-surgical ocular inflammation or any other indications, OTX-TP for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular