Lifitegrast

Lifitegrast is an ophthalmic medication approved for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults. It is a small-molecule integrin antagonist that inhibits the binding of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), thereby reducing T-cell–mediated inflammation on the ocular surface.

The drug is administered as a 5% ophthalmic solution and is typically prescribed as one drop in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. It is not a cure for dry eye but aims to improve both symptoms and objective signs by dampening inflammatory processes on the ocular surface.

Lifitegrast was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016 for dry eye disease and is marketed under the brand name Xiidra. It has been studied in multiple clinical trials and is generally considered effective for many patients, though responses vary and ongoing treatment may be required.

Common adverse effects include dysgeusia (altered taste), instillation-site irritation or discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia, blurred vision, and keratitis. Rare but serious allergic reactions or eye infections can occur. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to lifitegrast or any formulation ingredients.

Care should be taken to avoid contamination of the dropper and to follow dosing instructions. Safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been established; consulting a clinician is advised.