College Announces Low Atropine Treatment 

College Announces Low Atropine Treatment 

MHRA approves first licensed low-dose atropine treatment for childhood myopia in the UK

The Medicine & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the first licensed low-dose atropine (LDA) treatment for slowing the progression of childhood myopia. Ryjunea® (low-dose atropine 0.1 mg/ml), licensed by Santen, is indicated for children aged 3-14 years with myopia between –0.50 DS and –6.00 DS and a progression rate of 0.50 DS or more per year. The product will be a prescription-only medicine (POM), available initially for private prescribing. NICE is awaiting ministerial approval to begin a technology appraisal of low-dose atropine, and it remains a privately funded intervention until NICE completes its review.

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser and IP Lead, says: “We welcome approval by the MHRA for a licensed LDA product for myopia management. This is a key milestone for the profession as it enables a therapeutic option for consideration when discussing treatment and monitoring plans with patients and their families. As with any new intervention or procedure, practitioners must work within their scope of practice whilst considering the patient’s best interests to ensure this treatment is provided safely and effectively.” 

Further reading:

Frequently asked questions on low-dose atropine