Nordic Pharma, Inc, is introducing a novel dry eye therapy to the U.S. market: the LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel.
Let’s start with this company.
As a subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V., Nordic Pharma—formerly Amring Pharmaceuticals—is a privately-owned international marketing and sales pharmaceutical company.
Its focus: Developing and commercializing specialty products in the following areas:
- Ophthalmology
- Critical care
- Rheumatology
- Women’s health
- Over-the-counter (OTC)/generics
Now this product.
Derived from cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA), LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel is indicated to temporarily block tear drainage by the occlusion of the canalicular system.
Note: The patented therapy device was granted FDA 501(k) clearance in January 2022.
How does it work?
Administered via an in-office procedure, it enables patients’ eyes to “be bathed in their own natural tears,” is customizable for each patient, and supplies a “full fill” of the canalicular system.
And is it reimbursable?
It is! LACRIFLL has an established CPT reimbursement code (68761) and is indicated for up to 6 months of use in patients with dry eye symptoms.
Let’s back up a moment. LACRIFILL wasn’t originally Nordic Pharma’s, right?
Indeed not. The company only recently acquired the dry eye treatment when it purchased Visant Medical, Inc., a clinical-stage medical device company, at the end of 2023.
Some background: The device was originally developed in partnership with the French manufacturing company Symatese SAS, which designs advanced medical device solutions via its technology portfolio of HA, collagen, thermoplastics, and silicone materials.
Gotcha. So what’s the significance of this launch?
LACRIFILL marks Nordic Pharma’s second branded medical device to be commercially available in the United States.
The first: Biolon and Biolon Prime ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) containing 1% and 1.2% sodium hyaluronate, respectively.
And for clinicians?
The device is described as a “disruptive technology that will change how ophthalmologists practice,” by Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, chair of Nordic Pharma’s U.S. Medical Advisory Board.
Where can I learn more about adding this to my practice?
Click here to contact the company on pricing and availability.
Editor's note: This article was updated on June 10, 2024.