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KPI-121 1.0%

Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · Phase 3 active Small molecule

KPI-121 1.0% is a Topical corticosteroid Small molecule drug developed by Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Dry eye disease, Post-operative ocular inflammation. Also known as: KPI-121 1.0% Ophthalmic Suspension, Loteprednol etabonate 1.0%.

KPI-121 is a topical ophthalmic formulation that reduces ocular surface inflammation and promotes tear film stability through a mucoadhesive delivery system.

KPI-121 is a topical ophthalmic formulation that reduces ocular surface inflammation and promotes tear film stability through a mucoadhesive delivery system. Used for Dry eye disease, Post-operative ocular inflammation.

Likelihood of approval
58.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameKPI-121 1.0%
Also known asKPI-121 1.0% Ophthalmic Suspension, Loteprednol etabonate 1.0%
SponsorKala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Drug classTopical corticosteroid
TargetGlucocorticoid receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOphthalmology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

KPI-121 is a 1.0% formulation of difluprednate, a potent corticosteroid, delivered via Kala's proprietary mucoadhesive technology (AMPPLIFY) that enhances corneal and conjunctival penetration while prolonging ocular residence time. This allows for reduced dosing frequency while maintaining anti-inflammatory efficacy for dry eye disease and post-operative inflammation.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about KPI-121 1.0%

What is KPI-121 1.0%?

KPI-121 1.0% is a Topical corticosteroid drug developed by Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc., indicated for Dry eye disease, Post-operative ocular inflammation.

How does KPI-121 1.0% work?

KPI-121 is a topical ophthalmic formulation that reduces ocular surface inflammation and promotes tear film stability through a mucoadhesive delivery system.

What is KPI-121 1.0% used for?

KPI-121 1.0% is indicated for Dry eye disease, Post-operative ocular inflammation.

Who makes KPI-121 1.0%?

KPI-121 1.0% is developed by Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (see full Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. pipeline at /company/kala-pharmaceuticals-inc).

Is KPI-121 1.0% also known as anything else?

KPI-121 1.0% is also known as KPI-121 1.0% Ophthalmic Suspension, Loteprednol etabonate 1.0%.

What drug class is KPI-121 1.0% in?

KPI-121 1.0% belongs to the Topical corticosteroid class. See all Topical corticosteroid drugs at /class/topical-corticosteroid.

What development phase is KPI-121 1.0% in?

KPI-121 1.0% is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of KPI-121 1.0%?

Common side effects of KPI-121 1.0% include Ocular irritation, Conjunctival hyperemia, Eye discomfort, Increased intraocular pressure.

What does KPI-121 1.0% target?

KPI-121 1.0% targets Glucocorticoid receptor and is a Topical corticosteroid.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing