Lifitegrast 5% Solution for Dry Eye Disease

Mechanism of Action and Clinical Efficacy

Lifitegrast works by blocking the interaction between lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and its ligand intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which contributes to T-cell activation and migration to target tissues in dry eye disease 1, 2
The FDA approved lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution in 2016 for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3, 4
Published studies show benefit in both signs (corneal and conjunctival staining) and symptoms (eye dryness score and ocular discomfort) over a period of 3 months of using lifitegrast, with a moderate strength of evidence 3, 4

While the drug appears safe over 12 months of use, long-term effects beyond this period are still unknown, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3, 4

Lifitegrast 5% can be used as part of a step-wise approach to managing dry eye disease, particularly for moderate to severe cases, as suggested by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 5, 6
The American Academy of Ophthalmology considers lifitegrast 5% as a treatment option for patients with dry eye disease who have had an inadequate response to artificial tears 5, 6

The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores showed significantly better outcomes with lifitegrast 5% compared to carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% in Indian patients with dry eye disease 7
Lifitegrast 5% can be used as an alternative to cyclosporine for patients with signs and symptoms of dry eye disease that are refractory to artificial tears 8
Concurrent treatment of contributing factors such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction is essential for optimal outcomes with lifitegrast 5% 7