TP-O3, a topical ophthalmic treatment for blepharitis due to Demodex infestation, has successfully completed its phase IIb trial.
Adapted from an established veterinary medicine, TP-03, which targets the nervous system of the Demodex mite, killing the mites, was found to be safe and well tolerated. The Mexican research study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, included 15 patients with mild to severe lid margin erythema and an average Demodex density of 1.5 mites per lash. After 28 days of treatment, Demodex density decreased to 0.14 ± 0.05 mites per lash, with effects persisting for more than 90 days and an associated decrease in blepharitis signs.
“At 97% of visits, patients rated the drop as neutral to very comfortable,” said lead researcher, ophthalmologist Dr Roberto Gonzalez-Salinas in his virtual Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) presentation. “My colleagues and I are excited that there is a possible new therapy that targets the underlying cause of disease for nearly half of all blepharitis patients.”
TP-03 is currently being developed as a multidose, preserved formulation by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals and phase III trials are expected to begin later this year.
