DOHA: Sidra Medicine member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the launch of Qatar’s first Autologous Serum Eye Drops, a prescription-based treatment developed for patients with severe dry eye disease and related ocular surface conditions.
The Autologous Serum Eye Drops are Sidra Medicine’s first commercial biologic product to come out of its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility; the only facility in the country authorized to develop and manufacture individualized biologic therapies with the capacity to develop hospital grade medications.
The treatment is indicated for adults with severe dry eye symptoms associated with conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, post-LASIK dry eye, neurotrophic keratopathy, and diabetes mellitus. It can also be used as adjunctive therapy following specialised eye surgeries or to aid in the recovery of ocular surface injuries.
Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine Prof Khalid Fakhro stated: “The launch of the Autologous Serum Eye Drops marks an important step in expanding access to advanced, personalised treatments for complex eye conditions in Qatar. This is another example of our precision medicine strategy. Our ability to produce these drops locally ensures timely availability while maintaining the highest international standards for quality and safety.”
Patients require a prescription and referral from their ophthalmologist to access the treatment. Once referred to Sidra Medicine, a blood sample is collected and processed at the GMP facility. The customized eye drops are typically available for collection within one week, along with comprehensive storage and usage guidelines.
