Latanoprost Group Research Articles

A Randomized, Controlled Comparison of NCX 470, a Nitric Oxide-Donating Bimatoprost, and Latanoprost in Subjects with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: The MONT BLANC Study

PurposeTo compare intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety profile of NCX 470, a nitric oxide (NO)-donating bimatoprost, to latanoprost in subjects with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. DesignProspective, phase 3, randomized, adaptive dose-selection, double-masked, parallel-group trial. Methods: Participants691 subjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and unmedicated IOP of IOP ≥26 mmHg at 8AM, ≥24 mmHg at 10AM, and ≥22 mmHg at 4PM in the study eye. Study Procedures: Subjects were randomized to treatment with NCX 470 0.065%, NCX 470 0.1%, or latanoprost 0.005%. To identify the final NCX 470 dose, an interim analysis was performed after at least 30 subjects in each group had completed the Week 2 visit. Enrolled subjects were randomized to this final NCX 470 dose, 0.1%, or latanoprost for 12 weeks. Main outcome measure: We evaluated non-inferiority followed by superiority of NCX 470 versus latanoprost, based on IOP reduction from baseline at 8AM and 4PM at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. ResultsNCX 470 0.1% was the final dose and 661 subjects were analyzed that received NCX 470 0.1% (n=328) or latanoprost (n=333). At baseline, the mean (SD) IOP at 8AM and 4 PM was 28.3 (2.0) mmHg and 25.5 (2.5) mmHg, respectively, in the NCX 470 0.1% group, and was significantly reduced at all on-treatment time points, with reductions ranging from 8.0-9.7 mmHg (p<0.0001 at each time point). Likewise, mean (SD) baseline IOP at 8AM and 4PM was 28.2 (2.0) mmHg and 25.4 (2.4) mmHg, respectively, in the latanoprost group and was significantly reduced at all on-treatment time points, with reductions ranging from 7.1-9.4 mmHg (p<0.0001 at each time point). At the 3-month visit, mean IOP reductions were greater with NCX 470 0.1% than latanoprost 0.005% at all 6 time points and significantly greater (p<.05) at 4 of the 6 time points. Noninferiority versus latanoprost was established at all 6 timepoints. The most common adverse event was conjunctival/ocular hyperemia and was more common in the NCX 470 group compared to latanoprost; 8 NCX 470 and 6 latanoprost subjects discontinued due to adverse events. ConclusionThe NO-donating prostaglandin analogue NCX 470 0.1% was well-tolerated and lowered IOP more than latanoprost in subjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension at all 6 time points. With a dual mechanism of action that enhances both uveoscleral and trabecular outflow, NCX 470 could become an important first-line therapy for IOP reduction in glaucoma.

Efficacy and safety of the initial hypotensive treatment with an optimized latanoprost composition

Purpose: a comparative study of the efficacy and safety of Latanoprost-Optic, a new composition of excipients and the original latanoprost, in the initial therapy of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)Material and methods. We performed a prospective, randomized, comparative study of 60 previously untreated patients (71 eyes) with early and advanced POAG stages. During the screening visit, patients were randomly divided into the main (Latanoprost-Optic) and the control (original latanoprost) groups. The target points included intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, MD and PSD perimetry indices, RNFL thickness, MRW, NFL, GCL, IPL, tear film break time, OSDI, and adverse events. The observation period was 12 weeks. IOP was measured 4 and 12 weeks from observation start.Results. The average decrease in IOP in the study group by the end of the observation was 32% and did not show any statistically significant differences from the original drug at any control point. A positive unreliable dynamic of the values of most functional parameters was noted, which may indicate the presence of an indirect neuroprotective effect. In the study group, there was a positive trend in tear film rupture time and OSDI. According to corneal confocal microscopy, no negative changes in dynamics were noted, in contrast to the control group. Reversible discomfort and mild redness of the bulbar conjunctiva were recorded in both groups. No serious or systemic adverse events were noted.Conclusion. Latanoprost-Optic has a hypotensive efficacy, comparable to the original latanoprost, and a high favorable safety profile.

24-Hour efficacy of single primary selective laser trabeculoplasty versus latanoprost eye drops for Naïve primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients

This prospective, observer-masked, randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 2018 and June 2021 at Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. A total of 45 glaucoma patients from Beijing, China, were enrolled in this clinical trial to compare the short-term efficacy of primary single-selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to 0.005% latanoprost eye drops for the treatment of 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Both SLT and latanoprost significantly decreased mean 24-h IOP and peak IOP, although the latanoprost group effect was more potent when compared to the SLT group (both Ps < 0.05). Compared with the SLT group, the latanoprost group had a significant and stable decrease in IOP after treatment. The latanoprost group had a more pronounced reduction in IOP at weeks 4 and 12 (P < 0.05) but had no difference at week 1 (P = 0.097). As a first-line treatment, both SLT and latanoprost eye drops are effective in newly diagnosed POAG and OHT patients. However, the latanoprost eye drops may be better in decreasing mean and peak 24-h IOP and thus controlling 24-h IOP fluctuation compared to SLT.

Effects of topical prostaglandin therapy on corneal layers thickness in primary open-angle glaucoma patients using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

To evaluate the effects of latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost eye drops and their preservatives on each corneal layer thickness in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We retrospectively analyzed 79 eyes of 79 patients with POAG who were receiving prostaglandin therapy. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to monotherapy with latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost during a mean of 43.14 ± 19.12months follow-up period. In addition, the central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), central corneal stromal thickness (CST), and total central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at baseline and every six months after treatment initiation at each visit between 9 and 12 o'clock in the morning. Furthermore, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) after AS-OCT measurements at each visit. All three groups were not significantly different in age, gender, follow-up period, and mean intraocular pressure values (p > 0.05 for all). The reduction of CCT in the latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost groups was 6.53 ± 3.17, 18.59 ± 8.42, and 10.1 ± 1.13µm, respectively. The decrease in CST values was 4.65 ± 1.54, 15.84 ± 7.47, 9.69 ± 1.45µm, and CET values were 1.88 ± 1.66, 2.75 ± 0.73, 0.41 ± 0.54µm in all groups, respectively. A statistically significant thinning was observed in all corneal layers (p < 0.05) except the CST values in the latanoprost group and CET values in the travoprost group. However, no significant difference was found in the average reduction of CET, CST, and CCT values among the three groups (p > 0.05). Topical treatment with latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost affects each layer of the cornea separately according to the active and protective substances contained in these eye drops. On the other hand, the thinning effect on the corneal layers was similar in these three drugs because there was no significant difference between the three groups in the total amount of thinning of the corneal layers during the follow-up period.

Aqueous column changes in the episcleral veins after the instillation of ripasudil versus latanoprost: a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial

To investigate whether the topical administration of ripasudil ophthalmic solution enhances aqueous outflow in the episcleral vein of the human eye. Two-sequence, prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Sixteen eyes of 16 healthy participants were recruited in this study. Participants were randomized into one of the two crossover sequences to the instillation of ripasudil or the control drug, latanoprost, followed by a washout period of more than 2 days, and crossed over to the alternative instillation. The aqueous columns in the episcleral veins were recorded using a video capture system connected to a slit-light microscope (hemoglobin video imaging) before and 2 and 8 h after the instillation. Comparisons between ripasudil and latanoprost for the changes of the aqueous column width after the instillation. Two hours after the instillation, the ripasudil group had significantly greater dilation of the aqueous column width than the latanoprost group. Eight hours after the instillation, the ripasudil group had significantly greater dilation of the aqueous column width than the latanoprost group. Hemoglobin video imaging revealed that the topical administration of ripasudil ophthalmic solution enhanced aqueous outflow in the episcleral vein of the human eye.

Add-on Effect of Prostaglandin Analogues in Dorzolamide/Timolol Fixed Combination Treated Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the additive intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of three different prostaglandin analogues in dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC)-treated primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods: In this retrospective chart review, adjunctive latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost were administered in DTFC-treated POAG patients who required additional IOP-lowering treatment. IOP, mean deviation value, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were evaluated.Results: In the latanoprost group, the baseline IOP was 22.1 ± 1.3 mmHg. The mean IOP after 12 months of adjunctive latanoprost was 18.6 ± 1.3 mmHg and the reduction rate was 15.8% (p = 0.000). In the travoprost group, the mean IOP after adjunct travoprost was 18.2 ± 1.5 mmHg and the reduction rate was 16.9% (p = 0.000). In the bimatoprost group, the mean IOP and reduction rate were 18.1 ± 1.5 mmHg and 17.0%, respectively (p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the additional IOP reduction rate among the three groups (p = 0.687). The most common ADR was conjunctival hyperemia in all three groups. However, there were no serious ADRs causing ocular damage.Conclusions: Latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost showed additional IOP reduction by 15.8-17.0% in DTFC-treated POAG patients.

Duration of the hypotensive effect of prostaglandin analogues measured with the water drinking test in glaucoma patients.

To measure the magnitude and duration of the hypotensive effect of two prostaglandin analogues in glaucoma patients using the water drinking test (WDT). Patients received latanoprost or travoprost every 24h and then every 48h. Untreated WDT were performed at 7 am and with treatment 12, 36 and 44h after the last dose; intraocular pressure (IOP) peak, fluctuation and the difference between peak and isolated IOP measurements at consultation times were calculated. Forty-one eyes of 21 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were included; 22 eyes received latanoprost, and 19 received travoprost. Mean untreated isolated IOP was 17.20 standard deviation (S.D.) 3.73 and 16.95 S.D. 2.61mmHg and peak pressure 22.45 S.D. 2.91 and 21.58 S.D. 3.79 mmHg, for the latanoprost and travoprost groups, respectively. With treatment, peak pressure was reduced by 22.64% and 20.29% at 12h, 18.44% and 14.64% at 36h and 16.17% and 14.46% at 44h, respectively. The fluctuation without treatment was 4.36 and 5.11mmHg, and with treatment at 12h was reduced to 2.77 and 2.89 mmHg, increasing again at 36 and 44h. A hypotensive effect was evident up to 44h after the last dose of latanoprost and travoprost, similar for the two drugs and decreasing over time. IOP fluctuation was only reduced at 12h.

Duración del efecto hipotensor de los análogos de prostaglandinas medido con la prueba de sobrecarga hídrica en pacientes con glaucoma

ObjectiveTo measure the magnitude and duration of the hypotensive effect of two prostaglandin analogues in glaucoma patients using the water drinking test (WDT). MethodsPatients received latanoprost or travoprost every 24hours and then every 48hours. Untreated WDT were performed at 7 am and with treatment 12, 36 and 44hours after the last dose; intraocular pressure (IOP) peak, fluctuation and the difference between peak and isolated IOP measurements at consultation times were calculated. ResultsForty-one eyes of 21 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were included; 22 eyes received latanoprost, and 19 received travoprost. Mean untreated isolated IOP was 17.20 standard deviation (S.D.) 3.73 and 16.95 S.D. 2.61mmHg and peak pressure 22.45 S.D. 2.91 and 21.58 S.D. 3.79mmHg, for the latanoprost and travoprost groups, respectively. With treatment, peak pressure was reduced by 22.64% and 20.29% at 12hours, 18.44% and 14.64% at 36hours and 16.17% and 14.46% at 44hours, respectively. The fluctuation without treatment was 4.36 and 5.11mmHg, and with treatment at 12hours was reduced to 2.77 and 2.89mmHg, increasing again at 36 and 44hours. ConclusionsA hypotensive effect was evident up to 44hours after the last dose of latanoprost and travoprost, similar for the two drugs and decreasing over time. IOP fluctuation was only reduced at 12hours.

Comparison of the efficacy of latanoprost versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma according to glaucoma stage.

Only a few trials have compared the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analogs to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Furthermore, the influence of the glaucoma stage on the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of these drug types has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the IOP-lowering efficacy of latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy, in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma based on glaucoma stage. The data of 32 eyes (32 patients) diagnosed with uniocular pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and treated with topical latanoprost (Group 1) or dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (Group 2) were retrospectively assessed. The groups were subdivided into early and moderate-advanced stages. Patients' demographics, baseline intraocular pressure, final intraocular pressure, and intraocular pressure difference (the difference between the baseline and final intraocular pressure) were determined from medical records and compared between groups and according to glaucoma stage. The mean drug use duration was 17.7 ± 13.5 months. No significant differences in mean baseline intraocular pressure, mean final intraocular pressure and mean intraocular pressure difference between Groups 1 and 2. In Group 2, the mean intraocular pressure difference was significantly greater in patients with early versus moderate-advanced stage glaucoma (p=0.015). The difference, however, was not detected in Group 1. The mean intraocular pressure difference in early-stage glaucoma was significantly greater in Group 2 versus 1 (p=0.033). Latanoprost and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination are effective treatments for newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. In early-stage pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, greater intraocular pressure reduction was noted with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination than with latanoprost; thus, dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination should be considered when a significant decrease in intraocular pressure is desired in early-stage glaucoma.

Efficacy and safety of newly developed preservative-free latanoprost 0.005% eye drops versus preserved latanoprost 0.005% in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: 12-week results of a randomized, multicenter, controlled phase III trial.

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety and tolerability of newly developed preservative-free (PF) latanoprost generic [TJO-002] and compare it with benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost [Xalatan®] in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Included patients were aged ≥19y with POAG/OHT. After a washout period, patients with IOP 21-35 mm Hg at 9 a.m. were enrolled. After a full ophthalmic and glaucoma examination, 144 patients with POAG and OHT participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned either PF latanoprost (74 eyes) or BAK-preserved latanoprost (70 eyes). All subjects were examined at 4, 8, and 12wk after first administration. At each follow-up visit, IOP was measured at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and compliance was assessed. Throughout the study, all adverse events were recorded and monitored by the masked investigators who measured IOP. Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease of average diurnal IOP at 12wk compared to baseline (-7.21±3.10 mm Hg in the PF latanoprost group and -7.02±3.17 mm Hg in the BAK latanoprost group, both P<0.0001). There was no statistically significant diurnal IOP variation between the groups. In terms of tolerability, pruritus, burning/stinging, and sticky eye sensation, severity was significantly lower in the PF latanoprost group than in the BAK latanoprost group (P<0.05). PF latanoprost has at least similar efficacy in terms of IOP reduction and better tolerability compared with BAK latanoprost.

Safety and efficacy of topical agents in primary open angle glaucoma- latanoprost versus combination of latanoprost &amp; timolol maleate

This prospective drug trial was done to compare latanoprost versus combination therapy of latanoprost and timolol maleate. Patient were screened for primary open angle glaucoma and grouped as per pharmacological drugs used and measured IOP baseline before initiation of study. Group I consisting all patients with latanoprost monotherapy and Group II consisting of patients already using either latanoprost or timolol. Further A,B &amp; C was assigned as per IOP baseline. In group I (Monotherapy), 28 patients were completed the follow up. The mean baseline IOP was 27.4 millimeter of Hg with standard deviation of 2.59. After 12 weeks of study, mean IOP was 19.66 millimeter of Hg with SD of 2.76. Mean IOP difference from baseline was 7.4 millimeter of Hg. So fall of 27.3% in IOP from pre-treatment level. In group II (Combination therapy), 19 patients were completed the follow up. The mean baseline IOP was 27.35 millimeter of Hg with standard deviation of 2.6. After 12 weeks of study mean IOP difference from baseline was 8.1 millimeter of Hg with SD of 2.0 millimeter of Hg i.e. a fall of 29.63% in IOP from pre-treatment level. Combination therapy fared slightly better that Latanoprost alone in overall pressure reduction.

Latanoprost eye drops induce conjunctival lymphatic vessel development.

To investigate the effect of latanoprost eye drops on the conjunctival lymphatics. Twenty-four healthy New Zealand White rabbits weighing 1.5 to 2.0 kg were randomly divided into three groups: latanoprost group (n=8) administered with latanoprost eye drops once a day for 2mo, carteolol group (n=8) administered with carteolol eye drops once a day for 2mo, and control group (n=8) without any treatment. The conjunctival tissues in the three groups were extracted to investigate the expression levels of 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) by Western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The protein expression level of 5'-Nase was significantly higher in latanoprost group than carteolol group (F=231.175, P<0.001) and control group (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between the carteolol group and the control group (P>0.05). The mRNA expression level of 5'-Nase in the latanoprost group was also significantly higher than carteolol group (F=71.169 P<0.005) and control group (P<0.005). The conjunctival lymphatics were positive immunofluorescence stained with the 5'-Nase antibodies in the latanoprost group and not stained in the control group. Latanoprost eye drops can induce conjunctival lymphangiogenesis which may be concerned in clinical implications.

Comparison of ocular surface assessment and adherence between preserved and preservative-free latanoprost in glaucoma: a parallel-grouped randomized trial

Given that nonadherence is related to subject characteristics and drug tolerance and preserved eye drops tend to be more intolerable than preservative-free ones, we conducted a phase 4, parallel-grouped, investigator-blind, active-control, randomized, multicenter study. A total of 51 patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 15 mmHg diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to the preserved latanoprost group (n = 26) and the preservative-free latanoprost group (n = 25). The efficacy variables were corneal/conjunctival staining grade, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), adherence at 12 weeks after the first administration; corneal/conjunctival staining grade at 4 weeks; and IOP, tear break-up time (TBUT), and hyperemia score at 4 and 12 weeks. The safety variables included visual acuity and drug tolerance questionnaire results. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal/conjunctival staining grade, OSDI, or TBUT between the groups at 4 and 12 weeks. However, the adherence rate was higher and the hyperemia score was lower in the preservative-free group than in the preserved group. The severity and duration of stinging/burning sensation were lower in the preservative-free group than in the preserved group. Overall, preservative-free latanoprost showed better ocular tolerance assessed by hyperemia scores and stinging/burning symptoms following higher adherence than preserved latanoprost.

Do topical antiglaucoma drugs affect the cornea?

To investigate effects of beta blocker (BB; timolol or betaxolol), latanoprost, and latanoprost-timolol combination (LTC) drugs on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Sixty-one patients in BB group, 64 patients in latanoprost group, 59 patients in LTC group, and 58 healthy cases in control group were included. Intraocular pressures (IOP), ECDs, and CCTs of groups were recorded at initial (pre-treatment) period, first and third years after treatment, and comparisons were done. In groups, changes of ECDs according to time were not significant (p > 0.05). In BB and control groups, changes of CCTs according to time were not significant (p > 0.05). In latanoprost and LTC groups, CCTs in both first and third years were significantly thinner than initial CCTs (p = 0.039 for latanoprost, p = 0.041 for LTC at first year; p = 0.018 for latanoprost, p = 0.032 for LTC at third year). In latanoprost and LTC groups, CCTs of patients using drugs for 1 year were similar to those of patients using drugs for 3 years (p > 0.05). In our study, uses of BB, latanoprost or LTC did not affect ECD. BB drugs had no effect on CCT. Although latanoprost and LTC appeared to reduce CCT at 3-year follow-up from the statistical point of view, this 8-10 μm difference in CCT was not clinically significant.

A randomized comparative study of the efficacy of topical latanoprost versus topical betamethasone diproprionate lotion in the treatment of localized alopecia areata.

Topical corticosteroids are the standard therapy for the treatment of alopecia areata. Recently, topical latanoprost has been found effective in the treatment of eyelash alopecia areata. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of topical latanoprost ophthalmic solution (group 1) with that of topical betamethasone diproprionate lotion (group 2) in the treatment of localized alopecia areata. This was a single-centre, randomized, two-armed, parallel-group efficacy trial. Fifty consecutive patients with localized alopecia areata were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either topical latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution or topical betamethasone diproprionate 0.05% lotion. Of these 50 patients, 44 patients (21 in group 1 and 23 in group 2) completed the treatment protocol. The percentage reduction in area involved with alopecia areata at 16 weeks (primary outcome) was lower in latanoprost vs. betamethasone group (median [interquartile range], 11.1 [0-99.1] vs. 100% [13.6-100], P = 0.02). Significantly lesser patients in the latanoprost group had a complete response to treatment as compared to the betamethasone group (6 [24%] vs. 14 [56%], P = 0.02). The median (interquartile range) hair regrowth score was significantly lower in the latanoprost vs. the betamethasone group (1 [0-4.5] vs. 5 [1-5], P = 0.02). Subjects in the betamethasone group showed a more rapid reduction in the involved area. Short duration of treatment and follow-up were limitations of this study. Our results suggest that topical latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution is less effective but safer than topical betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion in the treatment of localized alopecia areata (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02350023).

Effects of topical prostaglandin drops on angiogenesis in an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane model

Background To investigate the effects of bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost on angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in ovo Materials and methods Fifty fertilized specific-pathogen-free chick eggs were used in this preclinical, prospective, experimental embryo study. Eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups of ten eggs. Eggs were placed in the incubator after disinfection of their shells with alcohol and monitored appropriate temperature and humidity. On the 3rd day of incubation, a small window was opened on the eggshell. Bimatoprost in group 1, latanoprost in group 2, travoprost in group 3, bevacizumab in group 4, phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) used in group 5 was applied by injection to CAM. The sterile film was glued onto the broken part of the shell and the eggs were placed in the incubator again. On the 8th day of incubation, eggs were opened and vascular structures on CAMs were examined. Digital photographs were taken, analysed in the ImageJ open source image processing software and differences between groups were evaluated. Thereafter, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were measured appropriately in the embryo samples. Results All embryos in the prostaglandin groups and the PBS control group were observed to have life signs confirmed by heart rate. In 8 embryos in the bevacizumab group, no life signs were confirmed, while 2 embryos with life signs showed severe hypoplasia. Vascular density, number of vessels and VEGF levels in the bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost groups, there were statistically significantly higher than the PBS control group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that topical prostaglandin drops increase angiogenesis in the chick CAM model in ovo.

Comparison of the hypotensor effect between latanoprost versus selective laser trabeculoplasty obtained with the water drinking test.

Glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Peak intraocular pressure is one of the main risk factors for glaucoma progression, and intraocular pressure reduction remains the only therapeutic strategy for all types of glaucoma. The main purpose of our study was to compare the baseline and peak intraocular pressure reduction obtained with the water drinking test between the two eyes of the same patients using 0.005% latanoprost in one eye and selective laser trabeculoplasty application in the contralateral eye. This was a prospective, interventional, longitudinal, and randomized clinical trial, in which 30 consecutive glaucomatous patients, medically controlled using latanoprost monotherapy, were recruited from a single ophthalmological center. The patients' eyes were randomized, and one eye was selected for SLT treatment and topical 0.005% latanoprost was introduced in the contralateral eye. The baseline intraocular pressure and peak intraocular pressure were evaluated 1 month (water drinking test 2) and 6 months (water drinking test 3) after treatment. There was no significant difference between the mean pre-washout intraocular pressure in the randomized eyes for selective laser trabeculoplasty and latanoprost (13.6 ± 2.1 and 13.3 ± 1.8 mmHg, respectively; p=0.182). Regarding baseline intraocular pressure, there was no significant difference in the water drinking test 2 (p=0.689) and water drinking test 3 (p=0.06) between the groups. There was no significant difference in the intraocular pressure peak between the SLT and latanoprost groups at water drinking test 2 (p=0.771) or water drinking test 3 (p=0.774). The intraocular pressure reduction efficacy is similar between latanoprost and selective laser trabeculoplasty. Glaucomatous patients who are medically controlled with latanoprost and switch treatment to selective laser trabeculoplasty maintain control of intraocular pressure.

Effect of Prostaglandin Analogues on Central Corneal Thickness: 3-Year Follow-up Results.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of each subgroup of prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) on central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).Methods We retrospectively reviewed 55 eyes of 55 patients with NTG who were receiving PGA therapy. Patients who were treated with 0.005% latanoprost (16 eyes), 0.0015% tafluprost (16 eyes), or 0.004% travoprost (23 eyes) monotherapy were included. CCT assessments were performed at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 years after initiation of treatment.Results In the NTG group, the mean CCT showed a decreasing trend, and there was a significant difference in mean CCT at 1, 2, and 3 years compared with baseline (baseline, 538.16 ± 32.14; 1 year, 526.55 ± 37.30 µm [p = 0.00]; 2 years, 521.67 ± 36.79 µm [p = 0.00]; 3 years, 520.43 ± 36.88 µm [p = 0.00]). The reduction of CCT was confirmed by subgroup analysis. In the 0.005% latanoprost group, mean CCT was decreased at 1 year (p = 0.11), 2 years (p = 0.00), and 3 years (p = 0.02). In the 0.0015% tafluprost group and the 0.004% travoprost group, mean CCT was also significantly decreased at all years (p = 0.00). No statistical difference was observed between the NTG subgroups (p = 0.06).ConclusionsTopical therapy with PGAs appeared to cause a significant decrease in CCT reduction in patients with NTG. A long-term follow-up study including more participants is needed.

One Year of Netarsudil and Latanoprost Fixed-Dose Combination for Elevated Intraocular Pressure: Phase 3, Randomized MERCURY-1 Study

A phase 3 trial (MERCURY-1) investigated efficacy and safety of a once-daily, fixed-dose combination (FDC) of netarsudil and latanoprost, compared with each active component, in reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). A planned 3-month analysis demonstrated the superiority of netarsudil/latanoprost FDC over its individual active components at every assessment. Herein, the 12-month efficacy and safety of netarsudil/latanoprost FDC are reported. Double-masked, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group trial. Patients had unmedicated IOP >20 to <36 mmHg in both eyes at 8:00 am and met other standard criteria for OAG or OHT. Randomization to once-daily netarsudil 0.02%/latanoprost 0.005% FDC (n= 238), netarsudil 0.02% only (n= 243), or latanoprost 0.005% only (n= 237). Patients instilled study drug into each eye between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. IOP was obtained at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 4:00 pm on day 1 (baseline); at weeks 2 and 6; and at months 3, 6, 9, and 12. Ocular and systemic safety were evaluated up to month12. Netarsudil/latanoprost FDC maintained statistically superior IOP lowering compared to its components at every assessment for 12 months. Least squares mean diurnal IOP (± standard error) at month 12 was 16.2 ± 0.23 mmHg for netarsudil/latanoprost FDC, 17.9 ± 0.20 mmHg for netarsudil, and 17.6 ± 0.18 mmHg for latanoprost (P < 0.05 for netarsudil/latanoprost FDC versus each comparator). The safety profile of netarsudil/latanoprost FDC was consistent with its individual components. The proportion of patients who experienced at least 1 adverse event (AE) was 82.8% (197/238) in the netarsudil/latanoprost FDC group, 78.2% (190/243) in the netarsudil group, and 54.0% (128/237) in the latanoprost group. The most common AE was conjunctival hyperemia, mostly of mild severity, with an incidence of 63.0% in the netarsudil/latanoprost FDC treatment group compared with 51.4% in the netarsudil group and 21.9% in the latanoprost group. Results at 12 months revealed superior efficacy for netarsudil/latanoprost FDC compared with the individual components, netarsudil and latanoprost, at every time point assessed and an ocular tolerability profile similar to that of netarsudil alone.

Corneal damage and its recovery after instillation of preservative-free versus preserved latanoprost eye drops

Purpose: Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is highly effective as a therapeutic agent for glaucoma and is applied worldwide. However, harmful effects on the corneal surface have been reported regarding the commercially available latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Corneal surface toxicity may be caused by the added preservative of the ophthalmic solution. In order to ascertain whether latanoprost itself can damage the cornea or if this is solely due to the added preservatives, this study attempted to determine the corneal changes that occur at different time periods following usage of preservative-free versus preserved latanoprost eye drops.Materials and methods: Preservative-free latanoprost eye drops (Monoprost®) or preserved latanoprost eye drops (Xalatan®) containing 0.02% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) were instilled in the corneas of rabbits. For each of the two different eye drop solutions, the rabbits used in this experiment were divided into three exposure groups: 1 minute, 24 hour, and 1 week groups. Corneal transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were examined immediately (1 minute) after instillation, at 24 hours after instillation, and at 24 hours after 1 week of daily instillations of latanoprost. Hank’s balanced salt solution was used in the control group.Results: The mean corneal TER of the control group was 933.8 ± 279.0 Ω cm2. In preservative-free latanoprost instilled corneas, there was no significant decrease in the TER or morphological changes at any of the time points, with the relative TER values of 117 ± 38%, 100 ± 34%, and 93 ± 21% for 1 minute, 1 day, and 1 week time points, respectively. In preserved latanoprost instilled corneas, SEM showed that only the immediate group exhibited superficial cell damage and a significant decrease in the corneal TER compared to the controls and other time points and to the immediate preservative-free latanoprost corneas. In the preserved latanoprost groups, the relative TER values were 18 ± 5%, 110 ± 28%, and 92 ± 10%, for the three respective observation time points.Conclusions: Preservative-free latanoprost can be safely instilled to the corneal epithelium. Latanoprost with 0.02% BAC has an immediate deleterious impact on the corneal epithelium; however, it disappears within 24 hours after instillation.