Optimmune

Optimmune

Optimmune is an ophthalmic ointment with cyclosporine as the active ingredient for the treatment of pannus and chronic idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs. It is a veterinary product produced by Intervet, which is part of Merck. Optimmune was invented by Dr. Renee Kaswan, a DVM and professor of The University of Georgia. Dr. Kaswan is also the inventor of Restasis, the well-known pharmaceutical that is the human medicine version of Optimmune.

Optimmune is one of a very few drugs developed for animals and then modified for use in human medicine.

TRIVIA - Optimmune, discovered at The University of Georgia, saved the eyesight of "UGA", the school's mascot.

Contents

Description

White petrolatum-based ointment for ophthalmic use, containing 0.2% w/w cyclosporin Ph Eur.

Activity

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant with lacrimomimetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Contra-indications

Mild irritation in first few days of treatment. Treatment should be discontinued and professional advice sought. Do not use if fungal infection of the eye is suspected.

Package Quantitative

  • 3.5-Gram tubes

Legality

In Canada, available only from veterinary with prescription. As of October 2011, a tube cost $72.

References