Oxervate™

What is Oxervate?

OXERVATE is the first FDA-approved treatment for people with neurotrophic keratitis. The main ingredient of OXERVATE is cenegermin, a recombinant form of human nerve growth factor. OXERVATE is structurally identical to the nerve growth factor that is naturally produced by your eyes.1,4

How does it work?

Nerve growth factor is thought to be involved in the maintenance of nerves that support corneal health.1,4 In your eyes, naturally ocurring nerve growth factor is thought to:

• Foster healing of the cells on corneal surface
• Help promote tear secretion
• Help improve the function of the nerves in the cornea

Scientific studies have also shown that nerve growth factor helps corneal epithelial cells and corneal nerves survive.2,3,5

References

1. OXERVATE™ (cenegermin-bkbj) ophthalmic solution 0.002% (20 mcg/mL) [US package insert]. Boston, MA: Dompé U.S. Inc.; 2018.
2. Mastropasqua L, Massaro-Giordano G, Nubile M, Sacchetti M. Understanding the pathogenesis of neurotrophic keratitis: the role of corneal nerves. J Cell Physiol. 2017 Apr;232(4):717-724.
3. Müller LJ, Marfurt CF, Kruse F, et al. Corneal nerves: structure, contents and function [Internet]. Exp Eye Res. 2003 May;76(5):521-542.
4. Bonini S, Rama P, Olzi D, et al. Neurotrophic keratitis [Internet]. Eye. 2003 Nov;17:989-995.
5. Lambiase A, Sacchetti M. Neurotrophic factors and corneal nerve regeneration. Neural Regen Res. 2017;12(8):1220.