Harrow Inc. (Harrow (HROW)) is adding another piece to its ophthalmology puzzle. On Wednesday, the company announced the relaunch of VERKAZIA (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.1%, a prescription treatment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a serious allergic eye condition that primarily affects children.
The move is part of Harrow's ongoing focus on underserved ophthalmic diseases. CEO Mark Baum noted that Verkazia is the second of three priority products the company is actively advancing, as outlined in its recent Letter to Stockholders.
How Verkazia Works
Verkazia is a topical calcineurin inhibitor immunomodulator. That's a mouthful, but what it does is simple: it targets the underlying inflammation in VKC. Clinical guidelines are increasingly supporting earlier use of these inhibitors to manage inflammation, reduce dependence on corticosteroids, and improve long-term outcomes.
The big selling point? Unlike long-term corticosteroid therapy, Verkazia doesn't carry risks like glaucoma or cataract formation. That's especially important for pediatric patients, who often need extended treatment.
Clinical Data Supports Steroid-Sparing Approach
Harrow pointed to randomized, controlled clinical trials that showed statistically significant improvements in keratitis (corneal damage) among patients treated with Verkazia. The studies also found meaningful reductions in common VKC symptoms like itching, photophobia, and tearing. And patients on Verkazia needed less corticosteroid rescue therapy than those in the control group.
These findings support Verkazia's role as a foundational treatment that could help reduce long-term reliance on steroids in VKC management.
Analyst Views Relaunch as Portfolio Enhancement
William Blair weighed in on Wednesday, noting that the relaunch may not be a major top-line driver, but it still represents a supplemental source of revenue for Harrow. The analyst sees it as another example of management's ongoing efforts to maximize the value of its broader ophthalmic portfolio.
As for the stock, Harrow shares were up 3.45% at $35.50 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to market data.
