BACKGROUND: Contact lens discomfort (CLD) is a common problem for CL wearers, and patients with CLD often have changes in meibomian gland function and structure. In a Phase 2 trial AZR-MD-001 0.5% (AZR) ophthalmic ointment improved meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in non-lens wearers. The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of AZR in participants with CLD and concomitant MGD.
METHODS: Adults with CLD (Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 >12, range 0-37) and MGD (Meibomian Gland Secretion Score [MGS] ≤12, range 0-45) were randomized (1:1) to AZR:vehicle applied twice-weekly in a three-month multicenter, prospective, double-masked study. Endpoints included difference in change from baseline (CFB) in the number of Meibomian Glands Yielding Liquid Secretion (MGYLS), MGS, the ability to wear their lenses as long as desired, and safety.
RESULTS: At Month 3, AZR (n = 34) significantly increased the MGYLS and MGS versus vehicle (n = 33), with least squares mean difference (LSMD) CFB in MGYLS of 5.0 (SE = 0.47) for AZR and 1.6 (0.45) for vehicle, P < 0.0001; MGS of 13.8 (SE = 0.67) for AZR and 3.8 (SE = 0.68) for vehicle, P < 0.0001. Significantly more participants treated with AZR were able to wear lenses as long as desired (43% vs. 6%, P = 0.0023). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was eye irritation (61.8% AZR; 0% vehicle). All TEAEs related to treatment were mild/moderate, transient, and did not result in discontinuation.
CONCLUSION: AZR-MD-001 0.5% significantly improved MGD signs and hours of comfortable CL wear, demonstrating good efficacy, safety, and tolerability in those with CLD.