New Delhi: India has introduced its first eye drop designed to potentially replace reading glasses for middle-aged individuals, offering a non-invasive solution to presbyopia—a common vision problem that affects nearly half of Indians over the age of 40. The eye drop, named PresVu, was launched by Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals following approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in August.
PresVu contains 1.25% pilocarpine hydrochloride, a plant-derived compound long used in various eye treatments. The eye drop specifically targets presbyopia, a condition where the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on nearby objects, making tasks like reading increasingly difficult.
A single vial of PresVu, which lasts about a month, is priced at Rs 345 and is expected to hit pharmacies across India by October. The drug is intended to be used under the prescription of an ophthalmologist, with one drop in each eye daily. The effects last for about six hours, with an option to add another drop three to six hours later for extended relief.
Entod Pharmaceuticals CEO, Nikhil Masurkar, shared that the launch is the result of extensive research that began in 2019. Clinical trials involving 250 patients across 10 sites showed that PresVu works best in individuals aged 40 to 55 years with mild to intermediate presbyopia, temporarily correcting vision issues.
Dr. Dhananjay Bakhle, a senior pharmacologist and advisor to Entod Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the benefits of the eye drop. “For patients with presbyopia, PresVu offers a non-invasive option that enhances near vision without the need for reading glasses. Its rapid efficacy and safety profile, demonstrated in clinical trials, make it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal,” Bakhle said.
PresVu differs from its US counterpart, Vuity, which was launched in 2022 and is the only FDA-approved eye drop for treating age-related blurry vision. Entod Pharmaceuticals has tailored PresVu’s formulation to better suit Indian eyes, which typically have more pigmented irises. The company has also applied for a patent for its unique formulation and manufacturing process, claiming that the eye drop not only eliminates the need for reading glasses but also helps lubricate the eyes.
Dr. Aditya Sethi, a Delhi-based eye specialist, explained that while presbyopia has traditionally been managed with reading glasses, contact lenses, and surgical interventions, PresVu offers an advanced alternative. “This new treatment option is set to greatly improve the quality of life for many, allowing them to perform everyday tasks with newfound ease,” Dr. Sethi said.
However, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not yet made public the approval letter for PresVu, which typically outlines contraindications or potential side effects. The CDSCO has requested phase 4 data collection, which will monitor the drug’s safety and efficacy after its commercial release.
In the US, some side effects associated with Vuity, such as headaches and red eyes, were reported by less than 5% of clinical trial participants. Other less common side effects included blurred vision, eye pain, and increased tear flow. Similar monitoring will likely be necessary for PresVu as it becomes available to Indian consumers.
With the launch of PresVu, middle-aged Indians now have a cutting-edge option to manage presbyopia, potentially freeing them from the dependence on reading glasses and improving their overall quality of life.