New eye drops to help remove reading glasses have been approved by India's drug regulatory agency.
Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has developed PresVu Eye Drops for presbyopia treatment, a condition which affects between 1.09 billion and 1.80 billion people worldwide.
Presbyopia occurs naturally with ageing, leading to difficulty in focusing on close objects. It typically starts in the mid-40s and worsens until about late 60s.
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals received final approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) after the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's (CDSCO) Subject Expert Committee (SEC) recommended the product earlier.
PresVu is claimed to be the first eye drop in India designed to reduce the need for reading glasses in people with presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition that affects people over 40.
The manufacturers have applied for a patent for this unique formulation and its manufacturing process.
The proprietary formula not just eliminates the need for reading glasses but also provides the added benefit of lubricating the eyes.
The eye drops have an advanced dynamic buffer technology, allowing them to adapt quickly to tear pH, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for long-term use. Given that these drops can be used for years, this feature is particularly significant.
"The approval of PresVu is a promising development in ophthalmology. For patients with presbyopia, this eye drop offers a non-invasive option that can enhance near vision without the need for reading glasses," said Dr Dhananjay Bakhle, commenting on PresVu's clinical potential.
This can significantly impact daily life and productivity. PresVu offers a non-invasive option to enhance near vision, a common challenge for those over 40, who may notice the condition when they start holding reading materials at arm's length.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the importance of this approval: "PresVu is the result of years of dedicated research and development. PresVu is more than just a product; it's a solution that stands to improve the lives of millions by offering them greater visual independence."
Dr Aditya Sethi added that PresVu can provide an advanced alternative that augments near vision within 15 minutes.
Beginning in the first week of October, prescription-based eye drops will be available in pharmacies at a cost of Rs 350.
The medication is intended for treating mild to moderate presbyopia in individuals aged 40 to 55 years.
