Future NK Therapeutics

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The success of cenegermin-bkbj has opened new avenues for NK research and treatment development. Multiple pharmaceutical companies now recognize NK as a significant unmet medical need with viable treatment possibilities. Current areas of investigation include topical insulin therapy, which has shown promise in preliminary studies though it remains off-label and requires compounded preparation. Clinical trials are ongoing to establish safety and efficacy profiles for this potential treatment option.

Additional therapeutic approaches under development include lacrimal gland injection therapies designed to stimulate natural tear production and new formulations targeting nerve regeneration through different mechanisms than cenegermin. The availability of an effective treatment has validated NK as a treatable condition, encouraging investment in alternative therapeutic approaches that may offer advantages in cost, administration convenience, or efficacy profiles.

The identification and treatment of NK has become increasingly important in specialized dry eye practices, where systematic corneal sensitivity testing reveals numerous patients with previously undiagnosed NK masquerading as treatment-resistant dry eye disease. This recognition has led to improved patient outcomes and has highlighted the importance of considering NK in comprehensive ocular surface disease evaluation. Future developments will likely focus on earlier detection methods, alternative treatment formulations, and improved understanding of NK pathophysiology to guide targeted therapies.