Nordic Pharma Introduces LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel for Dry Eye at AAO 2024
Nordic Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V., is showcasing LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel, a novel therapy for dry eye, at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024. Launched in the U.S. in April, LACRIFILL is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative that has received FDA clearance to temporarily block tear drainage by occluding the canalicular system. This innovative gel allows patients’ eyes to be continuously bathed in their own natural tears, tailored to each individual’s needs, and provides complete canalicular fill.
The gel is administered through a straightforward in-office procedure and is reimbursed under the existing CPT code (68761), with effects lasting for up to six months.
Phil Gioia, President of the U.S. team, expressed excitement about representing Nordic Pharma at AAO: “With members of our esteemed U.S. Medical Advisory Board present and our recent study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS), it’s an ideal setting to demonstrate how LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel is transforming clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.”
The October issue of JCRS features the article titled “Effectiveness and safety of a novel crosslinked hyaluronate canalicular gel occlusive device for dry eye,” authored by notable ophthalmologists including Mark Packer, MD, and Richard Lindstrom, MD. The clinical trial discussed in the article indicated that the cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel is both safe and effective as a lacrimal occlusion device for treating dry eye disease. Significant improvements in dry eye signs and symptoms were reported, including enhancements in Schirmer score, OSDI, corneal staining, and tear break-up time (TBUT), all sustained over six months. The study confirmed that the HA filler remained in place during this period and was well-tolerated, easily inserted, and removable.
Dr. Neel R. Desai from the Eye Institute of West Florida remarked, “After experiencing how easy and comfortable LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel is to administer, along with its immediate relief for dry eye patients—including myself—I have incorporated it into my first-line protocols for managing dry eye and optimizing ocular surface health before refractive cataract surgery.”
AAO attendees are encouraged to visit booth #4062 on Saturday, October 19th, at 2:00 p.m. for a discussion and Q&A on Dry Eye Disease: LACRIFILL® and Reimbursement, led by Kevin J. Corcoran, COE, FNAO, Principal of Corcoran & Corcoran. Orders can also be placed at the booth.
Additionally, Nordic Pharma is honored to be the Premier Sponsor of the Women In Ophthalmology (WIO) Awards Ceremony & Networking Reception at AAO. Dr. Lisa M. Nijm of Warrenville Eyecare & Lasik noted, “Nordic Pharma’s support in honoring exceptional women in ophthalmology reflects their commitment to making a sustainable impact on patient health and the physicians who care for them.
About Nordic Group B.V.
Nordic Group B.V. is a privately owned, medium-size international pharmaceutical company which focuses on the development and commercialization of specialty products. Portfolio enhancement has been accomplished through targeted developments and focused acquisitions to build a foundation in Eye Care, Rheumatology and Women’s Health. Nordic Group has established deep roots throughout Europe, and more recently, expanded outside of Europe with increased acquisitions worldwide.
Nordic Group is a part of SEVER Life Sciences, a holding company created in 2019 that brings together three diverse but complementary companies that offer a wide range of products, pharmaceutical development services and delivery technologies.
About Nordic Pharma, Inc.
Nordic Pharma, Inc., subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V., is partnered with well-established global biopharmaceutical companies and is uniquely positioned to leverage its expertise in bringing biotechnology derived medicines, sterile manufacturing and other state-of-the-art technologies to the marketplace.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma’s business developments and the implementation of Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma’s strategic initiatives. Because these statements reflect Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma’s current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma’s expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to, general market conditions, regulatory trends, changes in the financial conditions of third parties dealing with Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma, and other factors that could affect Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma’s business and financial performance. Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
