Orasis Launches Presbyopia Eyedrop Qlosi in the US
Orasis Pharmaceuticals announced that Qlosi (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.4%, a novel, corrective prescription eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults is now available to prescribe in the US.
Qlosi’s proprietary 'EyeQ Formulation' is designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects by balancing the lowest approved concentration of pilocarpine at a near neutral pH for optimal bioavailability, is preservative-free in single-use vials, and includes lubricants (HA & HPMC) for comfort. Patients have the flexibility of using one drop of Qlosi in each eye for improved near vision for a specific occasion or activity, and up to two drops per day for an extended effect, lasting up to 8 hours.
“We are proud to deliver Qlosi, a solution that ushers in a new era in near vision correction and aims to empower patients, providing Qlosi Clear Moments through improved near vision,” Elad Kedar, Chief Executive Officer of Orasis Pharmaceuticals, said in a company news release. “Our goal has always been to improve near vision for the millions of people struggling with presbyopia, give them a break from readers, and provide eye care professionals with an additional option to optimize care for their patients.”
Qlosi was shown to improve near vision by pupil modulation, resulting in a 'pinhole effect' and an increase in the depth of field, increasing the ability to focus on near objects with no mean impact on distance vision. Orasis recevied FDA approval for Qlosi in October 2023. The FDA approval of Qlosi was based on results from the phase 3 NEAR-1 and NEAR-2 clinical trials which met their primary and key secondary endpoints on Day 8.
“Qlosi is a breakthrough option for presbyopia patients, delivering functional near vision (20/40 near vision or better) in most patients, which is equivalent to a seven-point font such as the text that appears on a driver’s license. In addition, the combination of Qlosi’s efficacy and safety profile and EyeQ Formulation makes it a compelling solution for many of my early to moderate presbyopic patients who are looking for convenient options without compromising their activities,” said Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, Director of Cornea and External Disease for the Kentucky Eye Institute, and Associate Professor, University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry.
Patients can fill prescriptions via two pharmacy partners, BlinkRx and Medvantx, and receive free home delivery, according to Orasis. Qlosi is available in single-use vials that can be taken on-the-go.
For more information about Qlosi and full prescribing information, visit www.QlosiECP.com, which includes resources for patients and eye care professionals on how to use Qlosi and the Qlosi Clear Start Kit that patients will receive with their first prescription. The Clear Start Kit will provide guidance on starting Qlosi twice a day for the first week and how to use it for occasional days or long-term to help patients achieve their best near vision.