High molecular weight chondroitin *1 Over-the-counter eye drops containing 1% of [ingredient name].
"V Rohto Dryguard Premium" New Release
March 26, 2026
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, President: Hidetoshi Segi) will launch "V Rohto Dry Guard Premium," an over-the-counter eye drop for dry eye symptoms that contains 1% chondroitin (high molecular weight) *1, on March 26, 2026.
In recent years, with the increasing number of people suffering from dry eyes and eye strain, Rohto Pharmaceutical has focused on chondroitin and conducted extensive research over many years. This product aims to provide a dual approach to address the causes of dry eyes: "preventing tear evaporation" and "supporting corneal protection and repair *2," and is also designed to be usable even while wearing soft contact lenses.
*1: Sodium chondroitin sulfate
*2: By protecting the cornea, it supports the ability of corneal cells to repair themselves.
Product launch background
In recent years, due to changes in lifestyle and an increase in contact lens users, there has been a rise in the number of people complaining of dry eyes and the associated eye fatigue. When the balance of the tear film is disrupted, areas of insufficient tear film (dry spots) form, exposing the corneal surface, causing dryness and making the eyes more susceptible to strain. Rohto Pharmaceutical has been conducting research on chondroitin for over 20 years, focusing on differences in molecular weight. Based on this research knowledge, we have succeeded in incorporating 1% high molecular weight chondroitin into our over-the-counter eye drops. In addition to the inclusion of chondroitin, we have also paid close attention to the selection and combination of additives. Furthermore, we have designed the formulation with consideration for the user experience as an eye drop used daily, including the feel of application.
What are "dry spots," which form when the balance of the tear film is disrupted?
Tear film is composed of an oil layer and a liquid layer (water + mucin). The oil layer prevents tear evaporation, and the liquid layer, which contains mucin that retains moisture, both play a role in stabilizing the tear film. Each layer works together to keep the surface of the eye moist, but if the balance of tears is disrupted, such as by a lack of oil in the oil layer, dry spots may appear on the surface of the eye, making it easier for symptoms such as dryness and fatigue to occur.
Product features
- Achieves a 1% concentration of chondroitin (high molecular weight).
- Can be used even while wearing soft contact lenses.
- Conduct a clinical trial
Clinical trial results
Exam Overview
| subject |
70 individuals who reported experiencing symptoms such as dry eyes, eye strain, or blurred vision.
(30 people with no vision, 34 people wearing soft contact lenses, 6 people wearing hard contact lenses) |
| method |
V Rohto Dryguard Premium eye drops were instilled into both eyes, 1-2 drops at a time, 4 times a day for 14 days. Each subjective symptom was assessed using a 4-point scoring system, and the average score for the most recent 3 days (excluding the day of the patient's last visit) was calculated at the start of administration, 1 week after administration, and 2 weeks after administration (or at the time of discontinuation).
The least squares mean of the score change (each time point after administration, compared to the start date of administration) was used to calculate the 90% confidence interval. |
Source: Application materials for manufacturing and marketing approval of V Rohto Dryguard Premium pharmaceuticals
Result 1 (Primary endpoint): Reduced dryness of the eyes
Change in the score for the subjective symptom "dry eyes"
At all time points, a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.0001 in all cases) was observed.
Result 2: Eye strain and other symptoms improved.
Change in each individual's symptom score
A statistically significant decrease (P < 0.0001 in all cases) was observed at every item and at every time point.
*Total of the four subjective symptoms
The sum of the scores for "dry eyes," "eye fatigue," "blurred vision (when there is a lot of eye discharge, etc.)," and "discomfort when wearing contact lenses."
safety
No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to discontinuation occurred in this clinical trial.
Adverse events occurred in 4 out of 70 patients, totaling 5 incidents, but none were determined to be causally related to the investigational drug.
Product overview
| Sales name |
V-Rohto Dryguard Premium |
| image |
 |
| classification |
Category 3 drugs |
| capacity |
15mL |
| price |
1,650 yen |
| component |
[Active Ingredients]
Chondroitin sulfate sodium…1%
[Additives]
Potassium chloride, sodium chloride, povidone, boric acid, borax, sesame oil, l-menthol, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyl stearate, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, polyhexanide hydrochloride, pH adjuster |
| Efficacy and effectiveness |
Eye strain, tear fluid supplementation (dry eyes), discomfort while wearing soft or hard contact lenses, blurred vision (such as when there is excessive eye discharge) |
| Usage/Dosage |
Instill 1-2 drops into each eye 3-4 times a day. |
- "V Rohto" is a registered trademark of ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ltd.
- "Dryguard" is a registered trademark of ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.