Dual Action for Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb advances dry eye therapy to Phase 3 and reports positive Phase 1b results for investigational ocular pain treatment

September 9, 2026
3 min

The Ophthalmologist

Overview

Bausch + Lomb is advancing a dual-action dry eye drop to Phase 3 trials, combining 5% lifitegrast and perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO). The therapy showed significant results in a secondary analysis at Day 15, although it did not meet its primary endpoint at Day 29.

Background

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Current therapies often target either inflammation or tear evaporation, highlighting the need for innovative combination treatments. Bausch + Lomb's investigational therapy aims to address both aspects in a single formulation.

Data Highlights

Study	Outcome	p-value
Phase 2 Study	Reduction in tCFS at Day 15	0.0007
Phase 2 Study	tCFS improvement (3-unit or greater)	41.6% (combination) vs 18.8% (lifitegrast) vs 31.6% (PFHO)

Key Findings

The dual-action therapy combines 5% lifitegrast and PFHO in a single formulation.
Primary endpoint of superiority over lifitegrast alone was not met at Day 29 (p=0.196).
Significant reduction in mean tCFS change from baseline at Day 15 (p=0.0007).
41.6% of patients on the combination achieved a three-unit or greater improvement in tCFS at Day 15.
BL1332, a TRPV1 antagonist, showed positive Phase 1b results in reducing ocular pain.
BL1332 is now being evaluated in a Phase 2 study for pain post-photorefractive keratectomy.

Clinical Implications

The advancement of the dual-action therapy to Phase 3 trials indicates a potential shift in the treatment paradigm for dry eye disease. The significant results at Day 15 suggest that this combination therapy may offer rapid relief for patients.

Conclusion

Bausch + Lomb's dual-action eye drop represents a promising approach to treating dry eye disease by addressing both inflammation and tear evaporation. Further results from Phase 3 trials will be critical in determining its efficacy and safety.