Oxervate®
cenegermin ophthalmic solution 0.002% (20 mcg/mL)
Clinical Snapshot
Oxervate is the first FDA-approved recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy. It directly addresses the neurogenic deficit underlying this condition — a fundamentally different approach from lubricants or anti-inflammatory agents.
Mechanism of Action
Cenegermin is a recombinant form of human nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF binds TrkA receptors on corneal epithelial cells and sensory neurons, promoting epithelial healing, corneal innervation, and restoration of the neurotrophic support that is deficient in neurotrophic keratopathy.
Common Clinical Applications
- Neurotrophic keratopathy (stages 2 and 3)
- Persistent epithelial defects with neurotrophic etiology
Typical Dosing Principles
One drop in the affected eye six times daily for 8 weeks. Refrigerated storage required; allow to reach room temperature before use.
Dosing information is provided for educational purposes. Always consult current prescribing information for specific dosing protocols.
Important Precautions
- Requires refrigeration — cold chain management is essential.
- Six-times-daily dosing is a significant compliance burden; patient education is critical.
- Eye pain upon instillation is commonly reported.
- Corneal and conjunctival hyperemia may occur.
Clinical Pearls
- The first and only FDA-approved therapy targeting the neurogenic deficit in neurotrophic keratopathy.
- Neurotrophic keratopathy is underdiagnosed — reduced corneal sensation should prompt consideration of this diagnosis.
- The 8-week treatment course is finite; clinical benefit may persist after completion.
- Esthesiometry (corneal sensitivity testing) is a useful adjunct in diagnosis and monitoring.
Commonly Associated Disease States
Select any disease state to explore its full entry in the Disease State Library.
Neurotrophic Keratopathy
A sight-threatening condition that requires early recognition; reduced corneal sensation is the hallmark finding, and management requires a stepwise approach including neurotrophic-specific therapies such as cenegermin (Oxervate®) and autologous serum tears.
Persistent Epithelial Defect
This entry is an educational reference designed to support clinical reasoning and therapeutic awareness. It does not constitute medical advice, establish a standard of care, or replace individualized patient assessment. Clinicians should consult current prescribing information before initiating any therapy.