Australia has effectively approved a new class of treatment for Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE), NovaTears, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The solution is free from preservatives, water and phosphates, and can be used for up to six months after opening.

New Zealand-based AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AFT), which commercialises NovaTears across Australasia, says its new preservative-free eye lubricant and tear film stabiliser, which was previously available over-the-counter from pharmacies, was listed on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1st September 2018.

Research has shown that EDE is by far the most common type of Dry Eye Disease (DED), impacting approximately 86% of DED sufferers (50% experiencing EDE alone and a further 36% experiencing a combination of EDE and aqueous deficiency).

“NovaTears is a new class of dry eye therapy based on patented EyeSol technology, which can provide relief for EDE sufferers, and fulfil a significant patient need,“ explains Dr Hartley Atkinson, pharmacologist and CEO of AFT Pharmaceuticals. “It is long-lasting and spreads very easily across the eye, providing relief without blurred vision, stinging or burning.”

AFT says being water-free means there is no microbial growth possible in the solution and allows for the delivery of preservative-free drops in a convenient multi-dose bottle. NovaTears also has a much smaller droplet size than traditional water-based eye drops, which minimises spill-over.

“Clinical studies of EDE and Meibomian gland dysfunction patients have shown significant improvement in objective signs and subjective symptoms after using NovaTears,” continues Dr Atkinson. “We are very pleased to see NovaTears listed on the PBS, allowing greater access to EDE sufferers, particularly those who are sensitive to preservatives.”