HQ Team
May 29, 2025: Swiss-American Alcon Inc.’s acoltremon ophthalmic solution, Tryptyr, has received a green signal from the US Food and Drug Administration to treat dry eye disease.
This approval is based on data supported by end-stage trials evaluating more than 930 patients with a history of the disease. The results showed a “significant” increase in natural tear output in two weeks, according to a company statement.
“ Consistent results were observed at all time points through ninety days. Tryptyr demonstrated statistically significant natural tear production as early as the first day.”
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition driven by a deficiency in natural tears, whether due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
Many commonly used dry eye disease treatment options have limitations, including slow onset, patient dissatisfaction and poor adherence. Among surveyed dry eye patients, only 13% felt their dry eye was well managed, according to Alcon.
‘Tear deficiency’
“Many of my patients continue to face frustrating challenges with dry eye management, and there is a clear need for additional treatment options,” said Marjan Farid, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine.
“Tryptyr is the first eye drop that stimulates corneal nerves to directly address tear deficiency, a known cause of dry eye disease.”
Studies in animals show that the main ingredient in Tryptyr, known as acoltremon, works by activating special sensors in the eye that feel coolness.
When these sensors are turned on, they send signals to a nerve in the face, which helps the eyes produce more tears naturally. This extra tear production can help keep the eyes moist.
However, scientists have not yet fully understood how it helps with dry eyes, but it works by helping the eyes produce more tears through these coolness sensors.
The medicine will be available in single-dose vials — one drop per eye, two times a day. Alcon expects to launch it in the US in the third quarter of 2025.
