Emerging drugs for conjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND

Conjunctivitis is a highly prevalent ocular condition with potential complications that include visual impairment. Infectious causes include bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal etiologies, while noninfectious conjunctivitis is typically owing to allergy, tear film dysfunction or chemical trauma. Treatment requires frequent dosing and often lacks complete efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review is to investigate therapies for conjunctivitis that are undergoing clinical study and development. These data are presented in light of currently available treatment options to provide an understanding of the present and future direction of conjunctivitis management.

METHODS

The Pharmaprojects database was searched for conjunctivitis therapies currently in development around the world. Current treatment guidelines for infectious and noninfectious conjunctivitis were researched through PUBMED and OVID databases.

RESULTS

Several new compounds, including antimicrobial, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs, along with a novel thiazolidinedione, are currently undergoing investigation for their potential use in conjunctivitis management. These ophthalmic agents show promise in improving clinical outcomes for infectious and noninfectious conjunctivitis.