Cenegermin (rhNGF) (Eye Drop)

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is an eye medicine used to treat a serious eye condition called neurotrophic keratitis, where the cornea has lost its nerve supply and struggles to heal.

Drug class	Neurotrophic Keratitis
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	20 mcg/mL
Common Indian brands	Oxervate (limited/no availability in India)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Cenegermin (rhNGF) is used for

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is a specialised eye medicine used to treat a specific and serious eye condition affecting the front clear part of your eye, called the cornea. This condition is known as:

• Neurotrophic Keratitis: This is a condition where the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of your eye, loses its nerve supply. When the cornea loses its nerves, it becomes less sensitive and struggles to heal properly from injuries or even normal wear and tear. This can lead to persistent sores or damage on the eye’s surface. Cenegermin helps to restore the health and healing ability of the cornea in such cases.

It is important to understand that this medicine is prescribed only for this specific condition and should not be used for other eye problems without your ophthalmologist’s advice.

How it works

Cenegermin (rhNGF) works by providing a special protein to your eye. This medicine is a lab-made version of something naturally found in the human body called ‘nerve growth factor’. In simple terms, it acts like a natural helper that encourages the nerves in your cornea to grow back and function properly. By restoring these crucial nerve functions, Cenegermin helps the cornea to heal better and become healthier, which is vital for clear vision and eye comfort.

How it’s used

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is an eye drop that needs to be used very carefully and exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Here’s a general guide on how it is typically used:

• Dosing: The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye six times a day. This means you will need to apply the drops quite frequently throughout your waking hours.
• Duration: The treatment typically lasts for a period of eight weeks. It is very important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your eye starts to feel better sooner, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Proper Application: Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and then carefully squeeze one drop into this pocket. Try not to touch your eye or eyelid with the tip of the dropper to prevent contamination. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to spread. If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications.
• Consistency is Key: For the best results, try to use your drops at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain a steady level of medicine in your eye. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you create a schedule.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s specific instructions regarding the dosage, frequency, and duration of your treatment. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Oxervate (limited/no availability in India)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

When considering or using Cenegermin (rhNGF), it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

• High Cost: This medicine is known to be very expensive.
• Availability in India: Cenegermin (rhNGF) (brand name Oxervate) has limited or no availability in India. It is not routinely available in Indian hospitals or pharmacies.
• Indian Alternatives: In India, for conditions like neurotrophic keratitis, your ophthalmologist might suggest other treatments such as autologous serum drops, which are a more commonly available alternative.
• Prescription Only: This is a prescription eye medicine. It must only be used under the direct supervision and guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not attempt to self-medicate or use an old prescription.
• General Eye Drop Hygiene: Always wash your hands before and after applying eye drops. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
• Storage: Store the medicine as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, usually in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Not a Substitute for Professional Advice: The information provided here is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your ophthalmologist for any concerns or questions about your eye health and treatment.

Understanding Neurotrophic Keratitis

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing you to see clearly. The cornea is also richly supplied with nerves, which are essential for its health, sensation, and ability to heal from minor injuries or infections. These nerves act like an alarm system, letting you know if something is wrong with your eye, and they also help keep the cornea moist and healthy.

Neurotrophic keratitis is a serious eye condition where these vital nerves in the cornea become damaged or stop working correctly. When the nerve supply is reduced or lost, the cornea loses its sensitivity. This means you might not feel pain or discomfort even if there’s an injury or infection. More importantly, without proper nerve function, the cornea struggles to heal itself. This can lead to persistent sores, ulcers, or even thinning of the cornea, which can severely affect your vision and overall eye health. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important to prevent long-term damage and preserve your eyesight.

How to Use Eye Drops Correctly

Using eye drops correctly is vital for them to work effectively and safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
2. Prepare the Bottle: If the bottle has a cap, remove it and place it on a clean surface, making sure the tip doesn’t touch anything.
3. Position Yourself: Tilt your head back or lie down. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
4. Apply the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the tip directly over your eye. Look up towards the ceiling. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created in your lower eyelid. Be very careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes with the tip of the dropper, as this can contaminate the medicine.
5. Close Your Eye: After applying the drop, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking vigorously or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
6. Apply Pressure (Optional but Recommended): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and throat, which can reduce side effects and keep more medicine in your eye.
7. Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
8. Replace the Cap: Put the cap back on the bottle tightly.
9. Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands once more to remove any medicine residue.

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each different medication to ensure each drop has enough time to be absorbed and to prevent them from washing each other out. Your doctor will tell you the correct order if you have multiple drops.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and proper storage of your medicines are crucial for your eye health. Always store your eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, usually in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use eye drops past their expiry date, and discard them a month after opening, or as advised by your doctor, even if there’s medicine left. This is because once opened, they can become contaminated.

It’s important to be vigilant about your eye health, especially when dealing with conditions like neurotrophic keratitis. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions carefully. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as increased redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge from the eye, or any signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling or severe itching), contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Do not wait for your next appointment. If you accidentally miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Never double your dose to make up for a missed one. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. Your doctor is your best resource for managing your eye condition and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cenegermin (rhNGF) used for?

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is an eye medicine used to treat a specific and serious eye condition called neurotrophic keratitis. This is when the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, has lost its nerve supply and is unable to heal properly.

How does Cenegermin (rhNGF) work?

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is a lab-made version of human nerve growth factor. It works by helping to restore the function of the corneal nerves, which then allows the cornea to heal better and become healthier.

What are the common brands of Cenegermin (rhNGF) available in India?

The brand name for Cenegermin (rhNGF) is Oxervate. However, it has limited or no availability in India and is not routinely available. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives that are available in India.

How should I use Cenegermin (rhNGF) eye drops?

Cenegermin (rhNGF) is typically used as one drop in the affected eye six times a day for a period of eight weeks. Always follow your ophthalmologist's exact instructions for dosage and duration. Remember to wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.

Do I need a prescription for Cenegermin (rhNGF)?

Yes, Cenegermin (rhNGF) is a prescription eye medicine. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription.

What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Cenegermin (rhNGF)?

Key precautions include its very high cost and limited or no availability in India. Autologous serum drops are a common alternative in India. It is a prescription-only medicine, and you should only use it under the guidance of your ophthalmologist. This information is for general education and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References

1. Cenegermin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – NIH
2. First-in-Class Rx for Neurotrophic Keratitis – American Academy of Ophthalmology
3. Update On Cenegermin Eye Drops In The Treatment Of Neurotrophic Keratitis – PMC – NIH
4. Corneal Conditions – National Eye Institute
5. Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.