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 at The University of Georgia. Dr. Kaswan is also the inventor of Restasis, the well-known pharmaceutical that is the human 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.
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.