Case Report Outlines Oxervate Corneal Deposit Requiring Surgical Removal

Study comes amid growing concerns over a link between Oxervate and corneal deposits, after the prescription eye drop treatment has been linked to reports of vision loss.

A recent case study raises further concerns about potential Oxervate side effects on the cornea, describing the experiences of an elderly man who developed a painful corneal deposit from Oxervate eye drops, which were prescribed for treatment of neurotrophic keratitis.

Oxervate (cenegermin) is a novel biologic treatment introduced by Dompé in August 2018 as the first medication approved to treat neurotrophic keratitis; a rare eye disease characterized by reduced corneal sensitivity and poor corneal healing. This condition can lead to severe complications, including corneal ulceration and vision loss.

Initially celebrated as a pioneering solution, Oxervate has increasingly become the subject of medical scrutiny due to a growing number of individuals developing corneal plaques and deposits during, or shortly after, their course of treatment.

Numerous patients have reported experiencing vision side effects from Oxervate that were not reported on the drug’s prescribing information, including eye pain, excessive watering, foreign body sensation in the eye and painful corneal plaques. For some, these side effects have persisted beyond the treatment period, leading to prolonged discomfort and a significant impact on patients’ daily activities.

In response to these reports, lawyers are actively reviewing potential Oxervate lawsuits for individuals who developed corneal deposits or corneal ulcers, which often result in the need for eye surgery and may lead to permanent vision loss. The claims allege that if the drug maker had provided proper warnings, patients could have considered alternative therapies, and doctors would have known to closely monitor individuals for signs of corneal deposits and vision deterioration.

Corneal Deposit Formation After Oxervate Use: Case Study

A recent peer-reviewed study in the medical journal Cornea has shed light on potential issues associated with Oxervate; particularly the formation of corneal plaques and deposits that could necessitate surgical intervention, including corneal transplants.

The study focused on a 72-year-old man with a complex medical history, including mucous membrane pemphigoid, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the mucous membranes, and limbal stem cell deficiency, a condition impairing the cornea’s ability to regenerate. He was treated with Oxervate for a persistent non-healing epithelial defect.

Although the treatment initially appeared successful, lead author Pier Luigi Surico and colleagues reported that the individual developed an unexpected thick, white corneal plaque, which they determined was a severe side effect not listed on the drug’s label.

The plaque, which formed 22 days after treatment, was subsequently removed surgically and the patient’s condition stabilized. However, Surico indicates that this event highlights the critical need for close monitoring and the potential risks associated with Oxervate, with the authors stating;

“Although the successful resolution of the persistent epithelial defect with rhNGF administration was notable, the development of the unusual epithelial overgrowth (corneal deposit) emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and evaluation when using rhNGF (Oxervate) in complex ocular conditions,” Surico concluded in the case report.

Oxervate Side Effects Lawsuits

Due to the growing number of Oxervate corneal deposit problems being reported among users, and substantial evidence suggesting that the eye drops manufacturers failed to adequately disclose the side effects, lawyers are actively investigating potential product liability lawsuits against the drug manufacturer, Dompé. Former users left with corneal deposits, corneal plaques and other vision problems may be entitled to financial compensation.

Lawyers indicate that Oxervate lawsuit settlements may be available individuals prescribed the eye drops who experienced any of the following vision side effects;

• Vision loss
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Corneal scarring
• Corneal deposits
• Contact lens deposits
• Severe eye pain and swelling
• Eyelid inflammation
• Corneal transplant surgery
• Artificial cornea surgery
• Other Oxervate side effects

To determine whether you or a loved one may be eligible for an Oxervate lawsuit, submit information about your potential claim for review by a personal injury lawyer to determine whether a settlement or lawsuit payout may be available. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained in your case.