Tryptyr

Tryptyr is a prescription, preservative-free eye drop used twice daily to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) by helping your eyes produce more of their own natural tears. DED is a common condition where the tear film is not sufficient or stable, causing stinging, burning, fluctuating vision, and irritation. 1 Tryptyr (acoltremon ophthalmic solution 0.003%) is FDA-approved and supplied in single-use vials for sterile dosing in each eye, morning and evening. 2

How it works: Acoltremon activates TRPM8 (cold-sensing) receptors on the ocular surface, which stimulates trigeminal nerve pathways to increase basal tear production. The exact mechanism in DED relief is not fully defined, but the clinical effect is improved natural tearing. Recommended dose is 1 drop per eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. 3

Where it fits among options: For mild disease, artificial tears and lifestyle steps often suffice. For persistent symptoms, options include anti-inflammatory prescriptions (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast), devices, punctal plugs, and newer approaches that stimulate your own tears (including acoltremon eye drops and certain nasal sprays). Your eye doctor tailors treatment based on whether your dry eye is more evaporative (oil layer/MGD) or aqueous-deficient. 4 5

You may be a candidate for Tryptyr if you have diagnosed DED with inadequate natural tearing and ongoing symptoms despite basic measures (lubricants, lid hygiene, environment changes). Typical symptoms include dryness, burning, gritty sensation, and fluctuating vision; risk increases with age, female sex, contact lens wear, autoimmune disease, and screen time. 6 Tryptyr is indicated to treat signs and symptoms of DED in adults; it is dosed twice daily and should be used after removing contact lenses (reinsert after 15 minutes). Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. 7

Out-of-pocket cost varies by insurance coverage, pharmacy pricing, and copay assistance. As a reference point, economic research shows that prescription DED therapies can be cost-effective when they meaningfully improve quality of life compared with lubricants alone. For example, a cost-utility analysis of cyclosporine for moderate-to-severe DED found favorable cost-effectiveness versus conventional therapy. 8 The patient-reported burden of DED (missed work, productivity loss, frequent medical care) also contributes substantially to total costs, which is why achieving symptom control has value beyond medication price alone. 9

Practical tips: ask your clinician about manufacturer trial programs, pharmacy price comparisons, and insurance prior authorization. Use drops as prescribed to avoid waste and maximize benefit.

• Potential benefits: In two randomized, vehicle-controlled phase 3 trials (COMET-2 and COMET-3), a significantly higher proportion of patients on acoltremon achieved ≥10 mm Schirmer improvement by Day 14 versus vehicle, with benefits maintained through Day 90. 10 Acoltremon offers a mechanistically distinct, tear-stimulating approach (TRPM8 agonism) within DED care. 11
• Common side effects & limits: The most common ocular adverse reaction in trials was instillation-site pain; no formal contraindications are listed in the U.S. label. Remove contact lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes to reinsert. As with many DED therapies, response varies and combination therapy may still be needed. 12 Peer-reviewed overviews note that acoltremon is first-in-class and complements existing anti-inflammatory options rather than replacing them. 13

There is no surgical recovery. Instead, focus on steady, correct use: 1 drop in each eye twice daily (~12 hours apart), discard the single-use vial after dosing, and separate from other eye drops by at least 5 minutes. Remove contact lenses before use; reinsert after 15 minutes. 14 Long-term DED care pairs medication with lid hygiene, warm compresses, blink breaks (20-20-20 rule), humidifiers, and UV/wind protection; your clinician may add anti-inflammatory drops, punctal plugs, or device-based meibomian therapies if needed. 15

Acoltremon is the first FDA-approved TRPM8 agonist in ophthalmology. Regulatory approval drew on phase 3 trials (COMET-2 and COMET-3) in which 42.6% and 53.2% of treated patients, respectively, achieved ≥10 mm Day-14 Schirmer improvement versus 8.2% and 14.4% on vehicle. 16 Earlier randomized phase 2b work helped define dosing and supported ongoing development, showing clinically meaningful improvements in tear production and symptoms at the 0.003% concentration. 17

Research continues on neurosensory pathways in DED, biomarkers of response, and combination regimens (e.g., acoltremon plus anti-inflammatory therapy) to address both tear deficiency and ocular surface inflammation.

If your symptoms persist despite lubricants and lifestyle measures, discuss Tryptyr with a Cornea/External Disease ophthalmologist to see how it could fit your plan. Bring a list of prior treatments, how often you use tears, contact lens habits, and other health conditions (especially autoimmune disease). 18 You can connect with the right specialist on Kerbside for a medical education consult (this is not a physician–patient relationship) to understand options and next steps tailored to your situation. 19