Tivanisiran, a novel siRNA for the treatment of dry eye disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is characterized by an alteration of the tear film with ocular inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities. The main clinical signs of this condition are tear instability and ocular damage. Although DED has gained significant attention in the past few years, limited prescription treatment options are available for patients. Areas covered: The current manuscript summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical development of tivanisiran, a novel small interfering oligonucleotide of RNA (siRNA) used for the treatment of DED. Tivanisiran was designed to silence Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1); herein the chemistry and mechanism of action of this new compound is also described. Expert opinion: Drugs currently on the market mostly target the inflammatory component of the disease and show only partial efficacy. New compounds addressing other aspects of the disease would provide significant advantages and contribute to a more personalized treatment of the disease. Tivanisiran has been designed to reduce ocular discomfort and pain, and was shown to improve ocular hyperemia and tear quality in human and animal models. Consequently, if the results of the ongoing and future clinical trials meet their study endpoints, tivanisiran could be submitted to obtain approval for the treatment of DED.