First FDA Approval for a Treatment Directly Targeting Demodex Mites
Posted on September 27, 2024
Source:
DocWire News
A panel of experts discusses lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%, the first FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis, a highly prevalent eyelid disease that impacts approximately 25 million eye care patients in the U.S.
XDEMVY™ (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) is the first and only FDA approved treatment to directly target Demodex mites, the root cause of Demodex blepharitis. Demodex blepharitis impacts 1 out of every 12 adults and is a common yet often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed eyelid disease that is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasite found on human skin.
Demodex blepharitis is characterized by redness, inflammation, missing or misdirected eyelashes, horizontal itching along the eyelid base and the presence of collarettes. Collarettes are cylindrical, waxy debris of mite waste products and eggs found at the base of the eyelashes.
While Demodex folliculorum are found on the skin of all humans, they frequently occur in greater numbers in those with rosacea. There has been much debate as to whether their increased numbers are a cause or result of rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society, evidence is mounting that an overabundance of Demodex may trigger an immune response in people with rosacea, or that the inflammation may be caused by certain bacteria associated with the mites.