New ointment shows promise for contact lens discomfort linked to MGD

AZR-MD-001 0.5% ophthalmic ointment significantly improves meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and enhances comfort and lens-wearing duration in individuals with contact lens discomfort (CLD), while demonstrating good safety and tolerability, according to results from a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial.

Participants with CLD and MGD were randomized to receive either AZR or a vehicle ointment twice weekly for 3 months. Key measures included the number of meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), meibomian gland secretion scores (MGS), lens wear duration, and safety.

At 3 months, AZR-treated participants showed significant improvements in MGYLS (LSMD: 5.0 vs 1.6; P < 0.0001) and MGS (LSMD: 13.8 vs 3.8; P < 0.0001). In addition, 43% of the AZR group could wear lenses as long as desired, compared to just 6% in the vehicle group (P = 0.0023).

Eye irritation was the most common adverse event (61.8% AZR; 0% vehicle), but all side effects were mild or moderate, transient, and did not lead to discontinuation.

Reference
Stapleton F, Hinds M, Tan J, et al. AZR-MD-001 0.5% selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment for the treatment of contact lens discomfort: A vehicle-controlled, randomized, clinical trial. Ocul Surf. 2024;S1542-0124(24)00144-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.12.009. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39736410.