Lifitegrast: a novel drug for patients with dry eye disease

The objective of this article is to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of lifitegrast and determine its role relative to other agents in the management of dry eye disease. A PubMed search (1946 to December 2018) using the terms lifitegrast and SAR 1118 was conducted to identify relevant articles. In vitro or in vivo evaluations of lifitegrast published in the English language were eligible for inclusion. Phase II and III trials were selected for review of efficacy and safety. Four randomized controlled trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast 0.5% ophthalmic solution for 12 weeks, and 1 additional trial assessed safety for 1 year. In a majority of the trials, lifitegrast caused statistically significant improvements in inferior corneal fluorescein staining scores and eye dryness scores. The most common adverse effects were eye irritation, dysgeusia, and reduced visual acuity, and most were mild to moderate in severity. Lifitegrast has a novel mechanism of action and is safe and effective for the treatment of dry eye disease. At this time, lifitegrast may be considered as an option for patients who have an inadequate response to artificial tears.