U.S. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Market Driven by High Prevalence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in the Country
Meibomian
glands are small oil glands, which line the margin of the eyelids. These glands
produce meibum, an oily substance that prevents evaporation of the eye's tear
film. The oil coats the surface of the eyes and keeps the water component of
our tears from evaporating. The gland is located in the superior and inferior
tarsal plates. A number of eye problems can involve the meibomian glands, which
include, blepharitis, dry eye, and Sjögren's syndrome.
Meibomian
gland dysfunction (MGD) is characterized by the inability of glands in secreting
enough oil. The condition can also emerge when the oil secreted by the glands is
of poor quality. MGD can lead to altered tear film composition, ocular surface
disease, ocular and eyelid discomfort, and evaporative dry eye. Meibomian gland
dysfunction is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease. It affects over
30 million adults in the U.S. alone. In patients with no ocular symptoms, the
prevalence of MGD reached 41.7% across all ages, 47.8% in the elderly, and
35.76% in pediatric/young adult populations (July 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting
Abstract). Thus, significant prevalence of MGD is expected to propel growth of
the U.S.
meibomian gland dysfunction market.
In
March 2021, Azura Ophthalmics Ltd., a clinical-stage company headquartered in
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel with operations in Australia and the U.S., announced
topline results from a phase 2 program evaluating the company’s investigational
therapy for the treatment of MGD. Earlier in October 2020, Azura Ophthalmics
Ltd. raised US$ 20 million for the development of pipeline of new chemical
entities in pre-clinical through Phase 2 development for other significant
ocular surface conditions. Investment in R&D is thus expected to aid in growth
of the U.S. meibomian gland dysfunction market.
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