Assessing the Efficacy of Maxidex® and Patanol® for the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis

A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Assess the Efficacy of Maxidex® (0.1% Dexamethasone) Ophthalmic Suspension and Patanol® (0.1% Olopatadine Hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis in an Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC) Model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Maxidex and Patanol compared to placebo in patients with allergic conjunctivitis when exposed to controlled allergen levels in an Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC).

This study consisted of 6 visits. Visit 1 was the Medical Screening Visit (skin prick test). Visit 2 and Visit 3 consisted of 2 consecutive EEC Visits (3 hours in the EEC followed by 7 hours in the Clinic, 10 hours total, each visit) followed by 7 days of wash-out. Visit 2 and Visit 3 occurred prior to dispense and the measures obtained during these visits were used as baseline. At Visit 4 patients were randomized and dispensed the assigned study medication for 7 days of at-home dosing. Visit 5 (Day 8 of treatment) and Visit 6 (Day 9 of treatment) consisted of 2 additional consecutive EEC Visits (3 hours in the EEC followed by 7 hours in the clinic, 10 hours total, each visit). During each EEC visit, patients were exposed to either ragweed or cat allergen, depending on their skin prick test results. Of the 180 participants enrolled, 170 received at least one dose of study treatment and were randomized to one of the three study treatments.

Dexamethasone 0.1% ophthalmic suspension, 2 drops in each eye, 2-5 minutes apart, twice a day, for 9 days [Visit 4 through Visit 6 morning only]

Olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution, 2 drops in each eye, 2-5 minutes apart, twice a day, for 9 days [Visit 4 through Visit 6 morning only]

Inactive ingredients, used as placebo, 2 drops in each eye, 2-5 minutes apart, twice a day, for 9 days [Visit 4 through Visit 6 morning only]

Mean Change From Baseline in Staff-Assessed Ocular Redness, Area Under the Curve From Time Zero to Hour 10 [AUC (0-10)], Maxidex and Placebo

Ocular redness ratings were collected for nasal and temporal areas of each eye and scored on a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (extremely severe), 0.5 unit steps permitted. The AUC computation was based on peak redness score (maximum of four areas of redness) at each time point (pre-treatment, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3 hours in the EEC and 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 hours in the Clinic). The patient was dosed AM 30 minutes prior to entering the EEC (Visit 6). This outcome measure evaluates a late-phase effect, for which Maxidex vs. Placebo is the meaningful comparison.

Mean Change From Baseline Patient-Assessed Ocular Itching, Area Under the Curve From Time Zero to Hour 3 [AUC (0-3)], Patanol and Placebo

Ocular itching was scored a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (incapacitating itch with irresistible urge to rub) in 0.5 unit steps. The AUC computation was based on the score at each time point (pre-treatment, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3 hours in the EEC). The patient was dosed AM 30 minutes prior to entering the EEC (Visit 5). This outcome measure evaluates an early-phase effect, for which Patanol vs. Placebo is the meaningful comparison.

Inclusion Criteria: At least 1 year history of allergic conjunctivitis. Ability to self administer ophthalmic drops. Ability to avoid use of disallowed medications during the entire study period and specified period prior to visit 1. Other protocol-specified inclusion criteria may apply. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of any ocular infection. Confirmed diagnosis of dry eye. Presence of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Moderate to severe asthma. Any severe, unstable, or uncontrolled systemic disease. Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.