Cenegermin for the treatment of dry eye disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is the most common ocular sur-face disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to its chronic nature, the management of DED still represents a challenge in the ophthalmic practice. Nerve growth factor (NGF), which is expressed along with its high-affinity TrkA receptor on the ocular surface complex, has been widely studied for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy, and a novel recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) has recently received full mar-ket authorization in this setting. Since NGF has shown in both in vitro and in vivo studies to promote corneal healing, to enhance conjunctival epithelium differenti-ation and mucin secretion, and to stimulate tear film production and functionality, it could provide potential benefits also in patients with DED. A recent phase II clin-ical trial has assessed the role of rhNGF in DED patients, demonstrating significant improvements of DED signs and symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment. Further clin-ical evidence will be provided by the 2 ongoing phase III clinical trials. This review aims at comprehensively illustrating the rationale of use along with the efficacy and safety profile of topical NGF in patients with DED.