Santen launches new drug for post-cataract-surgery care

The UK-based subsidiary of Japanese ophthalmology firm Santen Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4536) has announced the launch of Ducressa in the UK and Ireland, a fixed dose combination (FDC) of levofloxacin and dexamethasone for use after cataract surgery that also offers a modern and convenient seven-day therapeutic strategy to optimize post-surgery care. Levofloxacin is a proven broad-spectrum antibiotic and dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, the company noted.

Paul Campbell, marketing manager at Santen UK & Ireland, said “With a large backlog of patients waiting for cataract surgery, due to delays caused by COVID-19, the importance of reducing post-surgery complication is more crucial than ever. By providing a more convenient, fixed dose option for patients, Ducressa can help to prevent and treat inflammation following cataract surgery, thereby making sure time and resource is focused on working through surgical waiting lists rather than on post-operative complications.”

Levofloxacin/dexamethasone, a fixed dose combination of a quinolone antibiotic with an anti-inflammatory steroid in eye drops in Europe, is indicated for the prevention and treatment of inflammation and prevention of infection associated with cataract surgery in adults. Currently, cataract surgery patients are usually prescribed a topical antibiotic/corticosteroid combination for 14 days, whereas levofloxacin/dexamethasone offers a truncated seven-day combination treatment period.