Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study sought to compare the efficacy of OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray for treatment of dry eye disease (DED) in postmenopausal women (PM+) versus women who were not postmenopausal (PM-). METHODS: This was a post hoc subgroup analysis of data integrated from two prior randomized controlled clinical trials, ONSET-1 and ONSET-2. Women randomized to treatment with OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray 0.03 mg or vehicle control (VC) whose self-reported menopausal status (PM+ versus PM-) was known were included. Outcomes included the treatment difference (the OC-01 [varenicline solution] nasal spray change from baseline [CFB] minus VC CFB) in Schirmer test score (STS, mm) with anesthesia and the eye dryness score (EDS) measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale (0 = no discomfort, 100 = maximal discomfort). Least-squares mean treatment differences were derived from analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models. RESULTS: Overall, 449 female participants in the ONSET-1 and ONSET-2 trials randomized to the OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray 0.03 mg or VC groups were included in this analysis. The treatment-menopausal status interaction terms in the STS and EDS ANCOVA and logistic regression models were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating consistency of treatment effect between the PM- and PM+ groups. The treatment difference in STS was similar in the PM- and PM+ groups (6.7 and 5.5 mm, respectively). The treatment difference in EDS was similar in the PM- and PM+ groups (- 5.5 and - 4.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray demonstrated similar efficacy in promoting natural tear production and improving symptoms in both PM- and PM+ groups. As menopausal-related hormonal changes may be associated with more severe DED, these results may support OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray as an effective treatment for DED in women regardless of presenting menopausal status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Post hoc subgroup analysis of data integrated from ONSET-1 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03636061) and ONSET-2 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04036292).