Why carry out this study?

Dry eye disease affects an estimated 38 million adults in the USA and there is an unmet need for effective therapies.

What did the study ask?

We investigated whether OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray (OC-01 VNS) activates the trigeminal nerve in the nasal cavity to stimulate goblet cells in the conjunctiva of the eye to provide mucins to the tear film.

What was learned from the study?

In vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated that a single administration of OC-01 VNS significantly reduced goblet cell area and perimeter, indicating degranulation.

What were the study conclusions?

OC-01 0.06 mg VNS induced goblet cell degranulation, which may result in release of mucins onto the ocular surface.

What has been learned from this study?

In patients with dry eye disease, OC-01 VNS was able to activate natural tear production and may cause release of mucins from conjunctival goblet cells.