Viatris Eye Treatment Trial Fails Primary Goal, Shares Drop 4%

Viatris said a randomized, double-masked Phase 3 trial of its pimecrolimus 0.3% ophthalmic ointment (MR-139) in 477 blepharitis patients failed to achieve the study’s primary goal of completely eliminating eyelid debris after six weeks of twice-daily dosing. The calcineurin inhibitor was compared with a placebo ointment over a 12-week period. Chief R&D Officer Philippe Martin said the company is assessing options for the programme, which could include revising a planned additional Phase 3 study. The setback comes as Viatris works to expand a pipeline aimed at anterior-segment eye diseases alongside marketed products such as Tyrvaya and Ryzumvi. Viatris shares fell roughly 4% in early U.S. trading following the announcement.