Harrow announced that its Fortisite formulations are now accessible for in-office use across the U.S.
Tell me about Fortisite.
Originally launched in September 2022, Fortisite is a compounded topical combination antibiotic solution of tobramycin 1.5% and vancomycin 5% that has been developed from Harrow’s ImprimisRx 503B outsourcing facility.
Its formulations are patent-pending high concentration, refrigeration-stable (for up to 180 days), and fortified antibiotic formulations. (via)
What kind of conditions does it treat?
Tobramycin and vancomycin are broad-spectrum antibiotics both designed to treat significant infectious disease caused by resistant bacteria. On the family tree of antibiotics, tobramycin is an aminoglycoside while vancomycin is in the glycopeptide class.
Any potential adverse effects?
Reported adverse reactions include ocular burning/stinging upon instillation, lid itching (pruritus) and swelling, conjunctival erythema, anaphylactic reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme. (via)
What does this mean for patients?
ImprimisRx features a Fortisite patient access program as well as a 100% replacement guarantee for any 503B Forsite products that are expired. Eyecare professionals (ECPs) can order online or by contacting the ImprimisRX Customer Care.
Significance?
Fortisite’s availability is the first instance where ECPs are able to stock a commercially available fortified or high-concentration compounded antibiotic formulation in their office for patients in need of immediate treatment.
With dynamic microbial evolution in mind, the addition of this on-demand therapeutic option for ECPs across the U.S. could signal a change in standard of care within ophthalmic practices—particularly considering the treatment potential to enhance ocular tissue response time.