Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Oxervate (Cenegermin-Bkbj)

Oxervate works by mimicking the natural nerve growth factor to stimulate nerve regeneration and promote healing in the cornea.

Cenegermin-Bkbj (Oxervate), marketed by Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., is a unique treatment for neurotrophic keratitis, a rare condition affecting corneal health. Its key strength lies in its mechanism of action, which mimics natural nerve growth factor to stimulate nerve regeneration and promote healing, setting it apart from off-patent alternatives like retinol and sodium chloride. The primary risk is the key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Nerve growth factor is an endogenous protein involved in the differentiation and maintenance of neurons, which acts through specific high-affinity (i.e., TrkA) and low-affinity (i.e. p75NTR) nerve growth factor receptors in the anterior segment of the eye to support corneal innervation and integrity.

Approved indications

• Neurotrophic keratitis

Common side effects

• Eye pain
• Ocular hyperemia
• Eye inflammation
• Increased lacrimation
• Corneal deposits
• Foreign body sensation
• Ocular inflammation
• Tearing

Key clinical trials

• DEFENDO Long Term Follow-up Study in Stage 1 NK Patients
• Study to Evaluate OXERVATE® in Patients With Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis (PHASE4)
• DOMPE -MT Neurotrophic Keratitis (PHASE4)
• Open-label Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of rhNGF on Corneal Thickness Via AS-OCT in Neurotrophic Keratitis (PHASE4)
• OCT Evaluation of Neurotrophic Ulcer Following Treatment With Oxervate
• NGF Treatment for Patients With Neuropathic Corneal Pain (PHASE1)
• Nerve Growth Factor for the Treatment of Cornea Disease

Primary sources

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