FDA Says Merck Dry Eye Treatment in Limited Supply

WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) April 10, 2002 - Merck & Company Inc. has managed to manufacture limited supplies of its dry eye therapy Lacrisert, for which inventory levels were depleted in November, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In documents posted on the FDA Web site, the federal agency said that Merck now has limited supplies that would be distributed under careful management to ensure adequate worldwide supplies. The FDA added that Merck expects normal inventory levels to return by the fourth quarter.

Lacrisert is a sterile, rod-shaped, water-soluble tablet that is inserted into the eye. The drug is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye.

Merck first announced the upcoming shortage in October. The company explained that the FDA had requested that it destroy several lots due to a quality control problem with solubility. Merck said that full production of the drug would resume in December.

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