Varenicline Solution Nasal Spray: A Review in Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common, often chronic, condition characterized by symptoms, such as irritation and blurred vision, that can negatively impact on quality of life. DED occurs due to the production of insufficient or unstable tear films and is typically treated with topically applied artificial tears and medications that reduce accompanying inflammation of the ocular surface. Using an intranasal formulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist varenicline (Tyrvaya™) to enhance natural tear production represents a novel approach to DED treatment. Varenicline solution nasal spray led to fast and sustained improvements in the signs and symptoms of DED in clinical trials of up to 12 weeks' duration. Varenicline solution was also generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being mild and transient sneezing and cough. Varenicline solution nasal spray is a new type of treatment for DED that may increase natural tear production, have better ocular tolerability and, for some patients, be easier and/or more convenient to use compared with traditional topical therapies.