Bausch + Lomb Advances Dry Eye Drug to Phase III as Pain Candidate Hits Phase Ib Goal

Bausch + Lomb's Xiidra and Miebo combination therapy significantly improved dry eye symptoms in patients who had previously tried over four treatments. A study of 68 patients showed reduced dryness, improved staining, and better tear metrics. Most patients continued using both drops for about 194 days. Bausch + Lomb plans a phase 3 study for a combined drop.

Bausch + Lomb received CE Mark approval for its SeeLyra femtosecond laser in Europe, allowing a limited rollout soon and broader availability in 2027. The laser is designed for cataract, LASIK, and corneal procedures, offering precision and flexibility. The company is also seeking approvals in other markets, including the U.S.

Bausch + Lomb has received CE Mark approval in Europe for its Seelyra™ Femtosecond Laser, a device used in eye surgery. The approval allows the company to market the product in the European Economic Area. This development could expand Bausch + Lomb's presence in the ophthalmology market.

Bausch + Lomb announced phase 3 plans for a dual-action dry eye drop combining lifitegrast and PFHO, after phase 2 results showed a significant reduction in corneal staining at Day 15. The company also reported positive phase 1b data for BL1332, a TRPV1 antagonist eye drop, showing significant pain reduction in a capsaicin challenge model. Both treatments showed acceptable safety profiles. Phase 2 trials for BL1332 are ongoing.

Bausch + Lomb will advance its dry eye treatment to Phase III despite mixed Phase II results. The eye drop, combining lifitegrast and perfluorohexyloctane, missed its primary endpoint but showed statistical significance in a secondary analysis. The company also progresses BL1332 to Phase II after positive pain reduction data in a Phase Ib trial.

Bausch Health Companies (BHC) shares rose nearly 40% in July after a Canada regulatory update and a beat-and-raise quarter. Prokedi was added to Quebec’s formulary. In Q2, revenue and adjusted results improved, with adjusted EPS $1.26 vs $1.23 expected, and net income $476M. Bausch raised 2026 revenue to $10.79B-$11.04B and adjusted EBITDA to $4.05B-$4.18B.