The new eye drop formulation goes beyond treating allergic conjunctivitis.
New research has revealed that bilastine 0.6% (multidose preservative-free formulation), an allergic conjunctivitis treatment, may have a new application in corneal wounds.
A recent study published in Science Reports contains the findings about the newly developed bilastine 0.6%.1
When tested alongside preservative-free ketotifen 0.025% and azelastine 0.05%, bilastine 0.6% accelerated corneal repair within 72 hours, outperforming preserved formulations.1
While bilastine 0.6% was designed for the symptomatic treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, researchers found they do much more—helping keep the eyes hydrated and even supporting corneal wound healing.
Latest data on bilastine 0.6% for corneal healing
The Science Reports study unveiled encouraging results for bilastine 0.6% and its potential use in corneal wound healing.
Spanish researchers pitted bilastine 0.6% eye drops against sodium hyaluronate (HA) against eight established antiallergic formulations in a comprehensive head-to-head comparison.
Using an ex vivo bovine cornea model, bilastine 0.6% demonstrated superior bioadhesion strength (0.025 mJ), demonstrating intriguing staying power on the ocular surface. When human conjunctival cells faced dehydration stress, the bilastine formulation acted as a protective shield, significantly outperforming competitors across multiple concentrations.
There was similarly striking data for the wound healing results.
In both immortalized and primary human corneal cells, the bilastine 0.6% formulation shined, promoting dramatic wound closure (60-100%) within 72 hours.
The secret weapon? Researchers pointed to the winning combination of bilastine with hyaluronic acid, creating a dynamic duo that enhances corneal hydration, extends retention time and accelerates healing. For patients battling the uncomfortable symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, this innovative formulation offers a promising new horizon in ocular surface protection and repair.
2024 study shows efficacy for allergic conjunctivitis treatment
Another study from 2024 has already demonstrated the treatment’s efficacy in allergic conjunctivitis. Current treatments have often been noted for their low ocular bioavailability and potential toxicity from preservatives.
The objective of the two double-masked, vehicle-controlled clinical trials conducted in 2024 was to evaluate the efficacy of a once-daily, preservative-free bilastine 0.6% eye drop formulation for treating allergic conjunctivitis.2
The findings were as follows:
- Efficacy was achieved for ocular itching with bilastine 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% at 15 minutes and 8 hours after instillation.
- Bilastine 0.6% remained effective at 16 hours, indicating prolonged relief.
- It demonstrated non-inferiority to ketotifen 0.025% at the onset of action.
These results suggest that bilastine 0.6% eye drop provides rapid and long-lasting relief for allergic conjunctivitis.
Bioadhesion ensures it stays on the ocular surface longer than eight other tested eye drops, improving retention and effectiveness. When sodium hyaluronate is added to the equation, the result is dehydration protection, keeping the eyes hydrated and reducing dryness.
Unlike many commercially available drops containing preservatives that can damage eye cells, bilastine 0.6% was found to be gentle on conjunctival cells, showing no cytotoxic effects.
Building upon the 2024 clinical trials, this study suggests that this novel bilastine 0.6% with sodium hyaluronate may offer longer-lasting relief, improved ocular surface hydration and better healing properties, making it a potentially superior option for managing allergic conjunctivitis.
References
- Arana E, Gonzalo A, Andollo N, et al. The new bilastine eye drop formulation protects against conjunctival dehydration and promotes corneal wound healing in a comparative in vitro study. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):7987.
- Gomes PJ, Ciolino JB, Arranz P, Gonzalo A, Fernández N, Hernández G. Bilastine 0.6% Preservative-Free Eye Drops as an Effective Once-Daily Treatment for the Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Pooled Analysis of 2 Randomized Clinical Trials. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2024;34(6):385-394.
