India introduces eye drop ‘PresVu’ to replace reading glasses for middle-aged people

India introduced an eye drop aimed at potentially replacing reading glasses for middle-aged individuals on Sep 3. This launch comes after the eye drop received marketing authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) last month.

The eye drop, named PresVu, is developed by Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals. It contains 1.25 % pilocarpine hydrochloride, a compound derived from plants.

Pilocarpine has a long history of use in treating various eye conditions, managing dry mouth, and reducing eye pressure.

The primary aim of PresVu is to address presbyopia, a common age-related visual impairment that typically affects individuals over 40 years old.

Presbyopia occurs when the eye's ability to focus on close objects diminishes gradually with age.

Entod Pharmaceuticals has priced the eye drop at ₹345 per vial, with each vial intended to last for approximately one month.

This new product follows a similar formulation released in the United States in 2022 under the brand name Vuity. Vuity is the only eye drop approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating age-related blurry vision.

Nikhil Masurkar, CEO of Entod Pharmaceuticals, highlighted that the launch of PresVu in India represents the culmination of extensive research that began in 2019.

He noted that around 45 % of Indians over the age of 40 are estimated to suffer from presbyopia. The eye drop is expected to be available in pharmacies across India by Oct.

Phase 3 clinical trials involving 250 patients at 10 sites provided data showing that PresVu is most effective for individuals aged 40 to 55 with mild-to-intermediate presbyopia.

The eye drop temporarily corrects vision problems. It is to be used under the guidance of an ophthalmologist, with one drop applied to each eye daily. The effects last for about six hours, with an option for an additional drop to extend vision correction for up to three more hours.

According to Entod Pharmaceuticals, the drug begins to take effect within 15 minutes of application, although full benefits may become apparent after approximately 15 days of use.

Dr. Dhananjay Bakhle, a senior pharmacologist and advisor to the company, emphasized that this non-invasive solution offers an alternative to reading glasses, potentially improving near vision for those with presbyopia.

“Its rapid efficacy and safety profile, demonstrated in clinical trials, makes it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal,” Bakhle said.

This eye drop represents a notable milestone as it is the first of its kind to be introduced in the Indian market.