Santen Pharmaceutical has received marketing approval from the European Commission for its ophthalmic treatment Ikervis. The drug is the first in Europe to treat severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) in adults with dry eye disease.

The approval is supported by a phase III clinical programme investigating the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Ikervis.

Masamichi Sato, head of Santen Europe and president of Santen Holdings EU, commented: "We are delighted with the approval that offers dry eye disease patients with severe keratitis the first prescription treatment in Europe. Our commitment is to continue to deliver new treatments for people suffering from dry eye."