ATC Vet Code: QS01XA18
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ophthalmologicals, other ophthalmologicals
Optimmune is a pharmaceutically stable sterile ointment containing 0.2% Ciclosporin A. Administration of the ointment improves chronic diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva resulting from autoimmune disease such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, dry eye), chronic superifical keratitis (pannus), and plasmacytic infiltration of the nictitans (‘plasmoma’) in dogs. To be applied topically to each affected eye.
Ciclosporin A is an immunomodulator nonpolar cyclic oligopeptide with lacrimominetic and anti-inflammatory activities. It is produced by the fungus species Tolypocladium inflatum gans. It is a highly lipophilic drug and is absorbed into the cornea in high concentrations. Ciclosporin A also penetrates the lacrimal gland following administration.
Ciclosporin A exerts its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of cytokines which up-regulate T-helper cell activity. This restores the function of lacrimal acinar epithelium under autoimmune attack and reduces infiltration of ocular tissues by inflammatory cells. In addition to its immunosuppressive activity, Ciclosporin A exerts a direct lacrimomimetic effect by blocking the inhibition of tear production by prolactin.
Optimmune thus increases the flow of tears identical to natural tear secretions. As well as lubrication and wetting, epithelial growth factors and other components of tears are necessary for maintenance of corneal health. Studies have demonstrated that long term use of Optimmune does not increase susceptibility of the eye to microbial infection.