What Happened to Xiidra? The Bausch + Lomb Acquisition
Many patients have been concerned about the status of their dry eye medication, Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution), following a significant industry transaction. In June 2023, pharmaceutical giant Novartis announced its decision to divest its 'front of eye' ophthalmology assets, which included Xiidra. This was part of Novartis’s broader strategy to refine its portfolio and focus on core therapeutic areas. The purchaser was Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, which completed the acquisition in September 2023. The deal, valued at up to $2.5 billion, ensured the seamless transition of the drug's manufacturing and distribution.
For patients and healthcare providers, the most crucial takeaway from this news is that Xiidra has not been discontinued. Instead, it has simply moved from one pharmaceutical company to another. The transaction was designed to provide a consistent supply to patients during and after the ownership transfer, with Novartis agreeing to continue supplying the product for a limited period on Bausch + Lomb’s behalf. Bausch + Lomb is an ophthalmology specialist, and the acquisition was a strategic move to strengthen its position as a leader in ocular surface diseases.
Clearing Up Confusion: Recalls and Market Exits
Rumors of Xiidra's discontinuation have been fueled by several past events that led to confusion. It is important to distinguish these from a full market withdrawal:
- European Marketing Application Withdrawal (2020): In 2020, Novartis withdrew its marketing application for Xiidra in Europe. European regulators cited "unresolved issues" and questioned the drug's benefit-risk profile for approval in that specific market. This decision was limited to Europe and did not affect the drug's FDA approval and availability in the United States.
- Temporary Product Recalls (2022): In June 2022, Novartis recalled specific lots of Xiidra in the US due to concerns over potential impurities/degradation. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported this as a recall, which is a temporary measure to address quality control issues with specific batches, not a permanent halt to the product.
Continued Availability Under Bausch + Lomb
With Bausch + Lomb now at the helm, Xiidra's future appears secure. The company has expressed strong commitment to the brand and to helping patients with dry eye disease. The acquisition provides Bausch + Lomb with a diversified portfolio of prescription dry eye treatments.
Key aspects of the product’s continued availability include:
- Active Marketing and Sales: Bausch + Lomb has continued to actively market and distribute Xiidra, leveraging its established sales force to promote the product.
- Complementary Treatment: The company positions Xiidra alongside its other dry eye treatment, MIEBO™, which has a different mechanism of action. This allows Bausch + Lomb to offer a broader range of options to patients based on their specific needs.
- Patient Savings and Support: Programs like the Xiidra Savings Card for eligible commercially insured patients have continued under the new ownership, with updated information available on the official website.
Comparison of Prescription Dry Eye Treatments
The dry eye treatment landscape includes several prescription options. Here is a comparison of Xiidra with MIEBO™, another key product in Bausch + Lomb's portfolio, to illustrate their differences.
| Feature | Xiidra (lifitegrast) | MIEBO™ (perfluorohexyloctane) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | A lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist that targets inflammation associated with dry eye disease. | A semifluorinated alkane that directly targets tear evaporation. |
| Focus of Action | Reduces inflammation on the surface of the eye. | Directly addresses tear evaporation, a major cause of dry eye disease. |
| Who It's For | Patients with inflammation-related dry eye symptoms. | Patients suffering from excessive tear evaporation. |
| Common Side Effects | Eye irritation, discomfort, and an unusual taste sensation. | Blurred vision and eye redness. |
Conclusion: No Discontinuation, Just a New Owner
In conclusion, despite circulating rumors and past events like the EU market exit and a product recall, Xiidra has not been discontinued in the United States. Its future is secured under the new ownership of Bausch + Lomb, an eye health specialist committed to growing the product and ensuring patient access. Patients concerned about the status of their medication should be reassured that it remains available and is an important part of the new owner's dry eye portfolio. For the latest official information, patients can consult their doctor, pharmacist, or refer to Bausch + Lomb's website. Bausch + Lomb Announces Completion of XIIDRA® Acquisition
How Bausch + Lomb is Moving Forward
Under Bausch + Lomb, Xiidra is part of a deliberate and robust strategy to dominate the ocular surface disease market. By combining Xiidra's anti-inflammatory properties with the tear evaporation-targeting action of MIEBO™, the company offers a comprehensive approach to treating the multifaceted nature of dry eye disease. This strategic move is expected to leverage Bausch + Lomb's deep expertise in ophthalmology, potentially leading to greater market penetration and improved access for patients who need it most. The dry eye market continues to grow, and Xiidra is well-positioned to remain a key player under its new management.
