Study shows RGN 259 equal to or better than competition in treating dry eye disease.- RegeneRx Biopharma.

RegeneRx Biopharmaceutical announced that a new study was published comparing RGN 259 (thymosin beta 4) with currently approved prescription products for dry eye syndrome (DES). In the study, researchers demonstrated that after ten days of treatment RGN 259 performed equal to or better than cyclosporine A (Restasis), lifitegrast (Xiidra), and diquafosol (Diquas). The study parameters measured were tear production, corneal smoothness, and decreased fluorescein staining, among others.

Corneal epithelial detachment, conjunctival goblet cells, mucin production, and expression of inflammatory factors were also evaluated. RGN-259 was equal to or better than the three other approved products in each case. In addition to the reported rapid onset of clinical efficacies, RGN-259 has not reported any significant side effects compared to other products currently approved for DES.

In conclusion, the authors stated that, "RGN-259 promoted recovery of mucins and goblet cells, improved corneal integrity, and reduced inflammation in a dry eye mouse model and was equal to or more effective than prescription treatments." The study was published on July 12, 2018, in the journal, Scientific Reports. Some of the study data were previously presented at the 2018 ARVO meeting in May 2018.