Positive results for the Phase III study meant to test the experiences of patients using the eye insert known as Dextenza to relieve pain in a post-surgical situation have been recorded according to Ocular Therapeutix Inc (NASDAQ:OCUL), the manufacturer of the eye insert.

As an insert that is placed non-invasively inside the eye, this drug that is hydrogel-based works by slowly releasing dexamethasone for a month. Dexamethasone has already received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Following the treatment’s completion, resorbing of the eye insert takes place and it is then ejected all by itself.

Patient experience and drug value

In the course of the study, the eye insert’s value and the experience of patients was assessed. Benefits derived from the extended release of the eye insert were considered convenient by patients in comparison with steroid eye drops which have to be administered in multiple doses.

“If approved, we believe that DEXTENZA, which incorporates the Company’s proprietary hydrogel platform technology, will offer an attractive alternative to the current post-operative standard of care of steroid eye drops for those recovering from ophthalmic surgery,” Ocular Therapeutix’s Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Talamo said.

Comfortable and recommendable

The study saw 25 patients who were suffering from ocular inflammation and ocular pain following eye surgery participate. All the participants in the study disclosed that they found dextenza comfortable. About 92% of these participants revealed that they would definitely recommend it to friends, relatives and acquaintances.

Physicians also found the eye insert to be highly convenient compared to eye drops that are used after cataract surgery. This is because steroid therapy for the patient could be controlled throughout the period with just a single administration.

Consequently, an NDA – New Drug Application has been filed by Ocular Therapeutix for the innovative eye insert as a therapy to be used in treating ocular pain following ophthalmic surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set July 19, 2017, as the date that it will announce its decision.

On Thursday shares of Ocular Therapeutix Inc jumped by 12.13% to close the day at $9.98 a share.