Fera Pharmaceuticals gets FDA nod for Avaclyr
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Fera Pharmaceuticals’ Avaclyr (acyclovir ophthalmic ointment) 3% for the treatment of herpetic keratitis.
“Avaclyr approval is a major milestone for the company.” Fera’s founder and president Frank DellaFera said. “Working closely with the eye care community we were able to identify a need for additional options to treat herpetic keratitis. Acyclovir is the gold standard treatment in herpes virus infections so it made sense to provide this therapy in an ophthalmic dosage form. Fera is thankful to FDA for approving Avaclyr, making it available to physicians and patients in the U.S.”
Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, keratitis is an infection of the cornea—the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye—that is caused by HSV. The infection usually heals without damaging the eye, but more severe infections can lead to scarring of the cornea or blindness. HSV keratitis is a major cause of blindness worldwide.
“Avaclyr approval is a major milestone for the company.” Fera’s founder and president Frank DellaFera said. “Working closely with the eye care community we were able to identify a need for additional options to treat herpetic keratitis. Acyclovir is the gold standard treatment in herpes virus infections so it made sense to provide this therapy in an ophthalmic dosage form. Fera is thankful to FDA for approving Avaclyr, making it available to physicians and patients in the U.S.”
Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, keratitis is an infection of the cornea—the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye—that is caused by HSV. The infection usually heals without damaging the eye, but more severe infections can lead to scarring of the cornea or blindness. HSV keratitis is a major cause of blindness worldwide.