Viatris Announces the Launch of RYZUMVl™ (Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.75% in the United States

Rhea-AI Summary

Viatris Inc. (VTRS) launches RYZUMVI™ for pharmacologically-induced mydriasis reversal in the US. The FDA-approved eye drop aims to aid eye care professionals in detecting eye health issues and systemic diseases.

Ophthalmologist

The introduction of RYZUMVI as a treatment for reversing pharmacologically-induced mydriasis could represent a significant advancement in ophthalmic care. From a clinical standpoint, the ability to manage pupil dilation effectively allows for more flexibility in scheduling and conducting comprehensive eye exams, which are important for early detection of ocular and systemic diseases. The reported efficacy of RYZUMVI, with 49% to 58% of patients returning to near baseline pupil diameter within 90 minutes, is a notable improvement over placebo outcomes. However, the contraindication for use in patients with active ocular inflammation, such as iritis, is an important consideration for prescribing physicians. Ocular side effects, although relatively low in incidence, should be communicated to patients to manage expectations and ensure compliance.

Healthcare Market Analyst

RYZUMVI's market entry as the sole FDA-approved eye drop for the reversal of dilation could capture a significant niche in the ophthalmic solutions market. The product addresses a specific patient need—reducing the duration of uncomfortable dilation—which may increase patient willingness to undergo regular comprehensive eye exams. This could indirectly contribute to the market growth of eye care services. However, adoption rates will depend on factors such as the cost of RYZUMVI, insurance coverage and the perceived value among eye care professionals. The long-term market impact will also hinge on post-launch surveillance data, which will further elucidate the safety and real-world effectiveness of the drug.

Pharmacoeconomist

From a pharmacoeconomic perspective, the introduction of RYZUMVI has the potential to generate cost savings by reducing the time patients spend incapacitated by mydriasis, potentially enhancing productivity. Additionally, by potentially increasing the frequency of comprehensive eye exams due to reduced patient discomfort, RYZUMVI may contribute to earlier detection of eye diseases, leading to cost savings in the healthcare system through early intervention. However, a thorough cost-benefit analysis considering the drug's pricing, potential reduction in the need for repeat visits due to prolonged dilation and the economic impact of adverse reactions is essential to fully understand its economic implications.

PITTSBURGH, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, today announced the U.S. commercial launch of RYZUMVI^™ (phentolamine ophthalmic solution) 0.75% for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents in the United States.  RYZUMVI is now the only U.S. commercially available FDA-approved eye drop to reverse dilation.¹  

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association, clinical practice guidelines recommend dilation as a standard of care.^2,3 Dilation allows eye care professionals to identify both common and serious eye health issues, including signs of systemic disease.^2,3 The average time of dilation lasts three to eight hours, but can last up to 24 hours in some people.^4,5 Prolonged dilation may lead to patients refusing dilation.^6,7 

Comprehensive dilated eye exams play a vital role in detecting potential vision-impairing ophthalmic conditions such as cataracts and potentially blinding diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.^2,3 Additionally, comprehensive dilated eye exams can uncover evidence of systemic diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension.^2,3 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved RYZUMVI in September 2023.  RYZUMVI was evaluated across 2 randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-masked MIRA-2 and MIRA-3 clinical trials in which patients (N=553) aged 12 to 80 years who had mydriasis induced by instillation of phenylephrine, tropicamide, or PAREMYD^® (hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide and tropicamide) were administered 2 drops (in the study eye) or 1 drop (in the fellow eye) of either RYZUMVI or placebo one hour after instillation of the mydriatic agent. 

The onset of action of RYZUMVI generally occurs in 30 minutes.  In the MIRA-2 and MIRA-3 clinical trials, at 90 minutes after administration, 49% and 58% of patients administered 2 drops of RYZUMVI returned to ≤ 0.2 mm of baseline pupil diameter compared to 7% and 6% of patients administered placebo, respectively.  In the MIRA-2 trials' placebo group, 34% of patients were still dilated (had not returned to ≤ 0.2 mm of baseline pupil diameter) at 24 hours.  In the MIRA-3 trials' placebo group, 28% of patients were still dilated at 24 hours.¹

RYZUMVI is not recommended to be used in patients with active ocular inflammation (e.g., iritis). To avoid the potential for eye injury or contamination, care should be taken to avoid touching the vial tip to the eye or to any other surface. Contact lens wearers should be advised to remove their lenses prior to the instillation of RYZUMVI and wait 10 minutes after dosing before reinserting their contact lenses.¹

The most common adverse reactions that have been reported are instillation site discomfort (16%), conjunctival hyperemia (12%), and dysgeusia (6%).

For more information on RYZUMVI, visit https://www.ryzumvi.com/.

About Pharmacologically-Induced Mydriasis

An estimated 100 million eye dilations are conducted every year in the U.S. to examine the retina (back-of-the-eye) either for routine check-ups, disease monitoring or surgical procedures.⁸ Recovery from pharmacologically-induced mydriasis can take three to eight hours, and sometimes lasts 24 hours.^4,5

About RYZUMVI^™ (Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.75%

Indication
RYZUMVI™ (phentolamine ophthalmic solution) 0.75% is indicated for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents.

Important Safety Information

Warnings and Precautions

• Uveitis: RYZUMVI is not recommended to be used in patients with active ocular inflammation (e.g., iritis).
• Potential for Eye Injury or Contamination: To avoid the potential for eye injury or contamination, care should be taken to avoid touching the vial tip to the eye or to any other surface.
• Use with Contact Lenses: Contact lens wearers should be advised to remove their lenses prior to the instillation of RYZUMVI and wait 10 minutes after dosing before reinserting their contact lenses.

Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions that have been reported are instillation site discomfort (16%), conjunctival hyperemia (12%), and dysgeusia (6%).

Click here for full Prescribing Information. 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements may include statements regarding the U.S. commercial launch of RYZUMVI™ in the United States and that RYZUMVI is now the only U.S. commercially available FDA-approved eye drop to reverse dilation. Because forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: actions and decisions of healthcare and pharmaceutical regulators; changes in healthcare and pharmaceutical laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad; any regulatory, legal or other impediments to Viatris' ability to bring new products to market, including but not limited to "at-risk" launches; Viatris' or its partners' ability to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products;  the scope, timing and outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings, and the impact of any such proceedings; the possibility that Viatris may be unable to realize the intended benefits of, or achieve the intended goals or outlooks with respect to, its strategic initiatives; the possibility that Viatris may be unable to achieve intended or expected benefits, goals, outlooks, synergies, growth opportunities and operating efficiencies in connection with divestitures, acquisitions, other transactions or restructuring programs, within the expected timeframes or at all; goodwill or impairment charges or other losses related to the divestiture or sale of businesses or assets; Viatris' failure to achieve expected or targeted future financial and operating performance and results; the potential impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics; any significant breach of data security or data privacy or disruptions to our information technology systems; risks associated with international operations; the ability to protect intellectual property and preserve intellectual property rights; changes in third-party relationships; the effect of any changes in Viatris' or its partners' customer and supplier relationships and customer purchasing patterns; the impacts of competition; changes in the economic and financial conditions of Viatris or its partners; uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management, including general economic conditions, inflation and exchange rates; failure to execute stock repurchases consistent with current expectations; stock price volatility; and the other risks described in Viatris' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Viatris routinely uses its website as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC's Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Viatris undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this press release other than as required by law.

About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world's most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).

Contacts:

Media:
+1.724.514.1968
Communications@viatris.com 

Jennifer Mauer
Jennifer.Mauer@viatris.com

Matt Klein
Matthew.Klein@viatris.com 

Investors:
+1.724.514.1813
InvestorRelations@viatris.com 

Bill Szablewski
William.Szablewski@viatris.com

RYZ-2024-0035

© 2024 Viatris Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Viatris and the Viatris logo are trademarks of Mylan Inc., a Viatris company.  RYZUMVI and the Ryzumvi Logo are trademarks of Ocuphire Pharma Inc., licensed to the Viatris companies.

1. RYZUMVI (phentolamine ophthalmic solution). Prescribing Information. FamyGen Life Sciences.

2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation Preferred Practice Pattern. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2020;1-29.

3. American Optometric Association Guidelines. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams?sso=y.  Accessed March 21, 2024.

4. PAREMYD® (hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide/ tropicamide ophthalmic solution) 1%/0.25% US Prescribing Information. Somerset, NJ.: Akorn, Inc.; 2001. PAREMYD® is a registered trademark of Akorn Operating Company LLC.

5.  Tropicamide Prescribing Information. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. 2022.

6. Murphy J. How Often Do You Dilate? Review of Optometry. Available at: https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/how-often-do-you-dilate. Accessed March 21, 2024.

7. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2 points to keep in mind when patients decline dilation. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/news/practice-management/billing-and-coding/2-points-to-keep-in-mind-when-patients-decline-dilation?sso=y. Accessed March 21, 2024.

8. Wilson FA, Stimpson JP, Wang Y. Inconsistencies Exist in National Estimates of Eye Care Services Utilization in the United States. J Ophthalmology. 2015;2015:435606. doi: 10.1155/2015/435606. Epub 2015 Aug 9. PMID: 26346484; PMCID: PMC4546761

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SOURCE Viatris Inc.

What is the purpose of RYZUMVI™ (VTRS)?

RYZUMVI is launched for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis reversal in the United States.

When was RYZUMVI™ (VTRS) approved by the FDA?

RYZUMVI was FDA-approved in September 2023.

What are the common adverse reactions reported for RYZUMVI™ (VTRS)?

The most common adverse reactions reported are instillation site discomfort (16%), conjunctival hyperemia (12%), and dysgeusia (6%).

How long does the dilation reversal effect of RYZUMVI™ (VTRS) last?

The onset of action of RYZUMVI generally occurs in 30 minutes, with 49% and 58% of patients returning to ≤ 0.2 mm of baseline pupil diameter at 90 minutes after administration in the MIRA-2 and MIRA-3 clinical trials.

Who are recommended not to use RYZUMVI™ (VTRS)?

RYZUMVI is not recommended for use in patients with active ocular inflammation (e.g., iritis).