New Developments in the Medical Treatment of Glaucoma

Abstract

To focus on new medical therapies that lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. We summarize new classes of medications to help treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, including modified prostaglandin analogues, such as latanoprostene bunod, and prostanoid receptor agonists, ONO-9054 and DE-117. We summarize the differences among the Rho kinase inhibitors that modulate the actin cytoskeleton. We present preclinical and clinical data on the adenosine receptor agonist, trabodenoson, and the RNAi-based compound, bamosiran. Several promising drugs with novel mechanisms of action are in development to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. The Food and Drug Administration approved latanoprostene bunod and netasurdil for commercial use in late 2017. These drugs mark the first new compounds to treat glaucoma in over two decades.