The 24-Hour Effects of Brinzolamide/Brimonidine Fixed Combination and Timolol on Intraocular Pressure and Ocular Perfusion Pressure

A new potential therapeutic approach for ALS: A case report with NGS analysis

RATIONALE

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its rapid progression and limited treatment options, often leading to deadly outcomes. Looking for effective therapeutic interventions is critical to improve patient outcomes in ALS.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient, a 75-year-old East Asian male, manifested an insidious onset of right-hand weakness advancing with dysarthria. Comprehensive Next-generation sequencing analysis identified variants in specific genes consistent with ALS diagnosis.

DIAGNOSES

ALS diagnosis is based on El Escorial diagnostic criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

This study introduces a novel therapeutic approach using artificial intelligence phenotypic response surface (AI-PRS) technology to customize personalized drug-dose combinations for ALS. The patient underwent a series of phases of AI-PRS-assisted trials, initially incorporating a 4-drug combination of Ibudilast, Riluzole, Tamoxifen, and Ropinirole. Biomarkers and regular clinical assessments, including nerve conduction velocity, F-wave, H-reflex, electromyography, and motor unit action potential, were monitored to comprehensively evaluate treatment efficacy.

OUTCOMES

Neurophysiological assessments supported the ALS diagnosis and revealed the co-presence of diabetic polyneuropathy. Hypotension during the trial necessitated an adaptation to a 2-drug combinational trial (ibudilast and riluzole). Disease progression assessment shifted exclusively to clinical tests of muscle strength, aligning with the patient's well-being.

LESSONS

The study raises the significance of personalized therapeutic strategies in ALS by AI-PRS. It also emphasizes the adaptability of interventions based on patient-specific responses. The encountered hypotension incident highlights the importance of attentive monitoring and personalized adjustments in treatment plans. The described therapy using AI-PRS, offering personalized drug-dose combinations technology is a potential approach in treating ALS. The promising outcomes warrant further evaluation in clinical trials for searching a personalized, more effective combinational treatment for ALS patients.

Efficacy of Morning Versus Evening Latanoprost/Timolol Fixed Combination for Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of morning and evening latanoprost/timolol fixed-combination (LTFC) dosing in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension.

Methods

In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 63 untreated Chinese patients with POAG and ocular hypertension were enrolled. All patients received LTFC and were randomized (1:1) to group 1, morning (8 AM) dosing, or group 2, evening (8 PM) dosing. Vehicle drops were used in the morning or evening, accordingly, to preserve masking. Patients were treated for 4 weeks. Outcomes included mean reduction of the 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP fluctuation from baseline after a 4-week treatment.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included in the final analysis. In both groups, the posttreatment IOP values were significantly lower than those at baseline at each 24-hour measuring time point. A significant difference between the groups in IOP reduction from baseline was observed at the 9:30 AM time point (4.01 ± 2.62 vs. 2.42 ± 3.23 mm Hg, evening dosing versus morning dosing group; P = 0.048). Both groups showed decreased IOP fluctuation after treatment. However, the morning dosing group had a significantly greater decrease in diurnal IOP fluctuation than that of the evening dosing group (2.04 ± 2.32 mm Hg vs. 0.50 ± 1.70 mm Hg, respectively; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Both morning and evening LTFC dosing can effectively reduce 24-hour IOP and IOP fluctuation. Morning dosing is more likely to effectively control diurnal IOP fluctuations.

Translational Relevance

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial generates robust evidence on the optimal LTFC dosing regimen to help clinical decision-making in the treatment of raised IOP.

The effect of a brinzolamide/brimonidine fixed combination on optic nerve head blood flow in rabbits

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 1% brinzolamide and 0.1% brimonidine fixed combination (BBFC) on ONH blood flow (BF) in rabbits.

METHODS

A crossover study was conducted on pigmented rabbits; a physiological saline solution, brinzolamide, or BBFC was administered for eight days. ONH BF, intraocular pressure (IOP) and systemic parameters were measured before the eighth day's first dose and at 6, 9, 12, and 14 hours after the dose. ONH BF was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy, and mean blur rate (MBR) values were calculated. The percentage against baseline of each parameter was calculated, and intergroup comparisons were performed at each time point.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the percentage change in systemic parameters. At 6 hours after administration, the BBFC group showed a significantly higher percentage change in large vessel area-MBR (%MV) compared to the control group (98.6±16.8%MV vs. 81.3±7.9%MV, P = 0.03). On the other hand, the brinzolamide group did not show a significant difference. Both the brinzolamide and BBFC groups had significantly lower percentage change in IOP (%IOP) compared to the control group (90.6±5.0%IOP, 93.3±2.9%IOP, and 99.2±1.7%IOP, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

BBFC effectively reduces IOP and mitigates diurnal fluctuation-induced decreases in ONH BF.

Ocular Distribution of Brimonidine and Brinzolamide after Topical Instillation of a 0.1% Brimonidine Tartrate and 1% Brinzolamide Fixed-Combination Ophthalmic Suspension: An Interventional Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the concentrations of brimonidine and brinzolamide in the vitreous and aqueous humor after instillation of a 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 1% brinzolamide fixed-combination ophthalmic suspension.

METHODS

The present investigation involved patients with macular holes or idiopathic epiretinal membranes who were planning to undergo vitrectomy. One week prior to surgery, the patients received twice-daily topical treatment with 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 1% brinzolamide fixed-combination ophthalmic suspension. Before vitrectomy, vitreous and aqueous humor samples were collected, and the mean concentrations of brimonidine and brinzolamide were determined through liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry.

RESULTS

Ten eyes (nine phakic and one pseudophakic eyes; 10 patients) were examined. The concentration of brimonidine in vitreous and aqueous humor samples was 5.02 ± 2.24 and 559 ± 670 nM, respectively. The concentration of brimonidine in the vitreous humor, which is needed to activate α2 receptors, was >2 nM in all patients. The concentration of brinzolamide was 8.96 ± 4.65 and 1100 ± 813 nM, respectively. However, there was no significant correlation between the concentrations of brimonidine in the vitreous and aqueous humor samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Sufficient concentrations of brimonidine were detected in all vitreous samples. The dissociated correlation of the drug concentrations between aqueous and vitreous humors implies the possibility of another pathway to vitreous humor, different from the pathway to aqueous humor.

ALK5 inhibitor acts on trabecular meshwork cell and reduces intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the onset and progression of glaucoma. IOP reduction has been proven effective in the treatment of glaucoma. IOP is controlled by the production and outflow of the aqueous humor (AH), and the trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main pathway for AH drainage from the eye. However, there are few conventional IOP-lowering treatments that target TM, and there is a need for such treatments. In this study, we screened for the expression level of fibronectin as an indicator and identified an activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 5 inhibitor. Western blot analysis showed that SB431542, an ALK 5 inhibitor, reduced fibronectin and α-SMA expression. Moreover, a single dose of the ALK5 inhibitor SB431542 reduced IOP in mice, and the IOP-lowering effect of the ALK5 inhibitor was greater than that of a Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). Repeated dosing with ALK5 inhibitor eye drops (once daily) enhanced the murine IOP-lowering effect. Furthermore, ALK5 inhibition decreased the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) mRNA and suppressed ECM production. These findings suggest that ALK5 inhibitors may contribute to the development of new treatments for glaucoma that target the TM.

Topical Medication Therapy for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness, thus seriously affecting people’s health and quality of life. The topical medical therapy is as the first line treatment in the management of glaucoma since it is inexpensive, convenient, effective, and safe. This review summarizes and compares extensive clinical trials on the topical medications for the treatment of glaucoma, including topical monotherapy agents, topical fixed-combination agents, topical non-fixed combination agents, and their composition, mechanism of action, efficacy, and adverse effects, which will provide reference for optimal choice of clinical medication. Fixed-combination therapeutics offer greater efficacy, reliable security, clinical compliance, and tolerance than non-fixed combination agents and monotherapy agents, which will become a prefer option for the treatment of glaucoma. Meanwhile, we also discuss new trends in the field of new fixed combinations of medications, which may better control IOP and treat glaucoma.

The Effects of Topical Timolol and Latanoprost on Calculated Ocular Perfusion Pressure in Nonglaucomatous Volunteers

Purpose: To characterize the effects of timolol and latanoprost on calculated ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in a multicenter, prospective, crossover-design study. Methods: Nonglaucomatous volunteers were evaluated at baseline, after 1 week of timolol 0.5% dosed twice daily, and after 1 week of latanoprost 0.005% dosed nightly (randomized treatment order; 6-week washout period). Pneumatonometric intraocular pressure (IOP) and brachial blood pressure (BP) were evaluated at each visit. Using 3 commonly used equations, OPP was calculated based on IOP and BP. The OPPs at each visit were compared by using linear mixed-effects models. Results: This analysis includes 121 participants (242 eyes; 75% female, 87% White, mean age 55 years). Mean OPP (standard deviation) calculated with mean arterial pressure was 46.8 (8.1) mmHg at baseline, 48.5 (7.9) mmHg with timolol (P = 0.005), and 49.6 mmHg (8.2) with latanoprost (P < 0.001). When compared with baseline, OPP calculated with diastolic BP was significantly increased with both timolol (1.3 mmHg) and latanoprost (3.1 mmHg). The OPP calculated with systolic BP was increased with latanoprost (2.8 mmHg) but decreased with timolol (-1.3 mmHg). Timolol reduced systolic BP by 3.2 mmHg. Compared with timolol, latanoprost conferred greater increases in OPP calculated with both systolic and diastolic BP compared with baseline; however, the difference in treatment effects on OPP calculated with mean arterial pressure was not significantly different (P = 0.068). Conclusion: In this crossover study of nonglaucomatous volunteers, latanoprost increased OPP. However, timolol's benefit to OPP may be limited in part because it reduced systolic BP. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT01677507.

Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and glaucoma in 2021: where do we stand?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) have been used for many decades in the treatment of glaucoma. Systemic CAIs were an early treatment option to lower intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour production; however, frequent side effects including polyuria and paresthesia contributed to the eventual development of topical CAIs. As topical drug development evolved over time, prostaglandin analogues and beta-blockers have become the gold standard of glaucoma therapies. Although prescribed less often than other classes of topical glaucoma therapies, topical CAIs continue to be used in combination therapies with beta-blockers and alpha agonists. Topical CAIs have also been demonstrated to alter biomarkers of ocular haemodynamics, which have relevance in glaucoma. The purpose of this review is to review and summarise the current state of topical CAI prescribing trends, known efficacy and suggested mechanisms and potential influence on ocular haemodynamics for the future of glaucoma management.

24-h intraocular pressure patterns measured by Icare PRO rebound in habitual position of open-angle glaucoma eyes

PURPOSE

To measure the 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) by Icare PRO rebound in healthy and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes and compare it with non-contact tonometry (NCT).

METHODS

Thirty POAG patients, who were under IOP-lowering treatment, and 30 healthy subjects were included. Participants were hospitalized overnight for the 24-h IOP measurement. IOPs were measured by Icare PRO and NCT according to a standard protocol every 2 h during 24 h. The 24-h IOP curve and IOP-related parameters were compared between Icare PRO and NCT groups in POAG and healthy eyes.

RESULTS

The IOPs measured by Icare PRO in habitual position increased notably at 22:00 in the normal group and at 20:00 in the POAG group, reached peak at 0:00, stayed high until 4:00, and then decreased in both groups (all p < 0.05). The POAG patients had higher mean 24-h IOP, peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, and greater IOP change from supine to sitting position in the nocturnal period than those in the normal subjects even after adjusting for eyes, age, gender, CCT, and axial length (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Icare PRO provides a well-tolerated approach for 24-h IOP monitoring in habitual position. Twenty-four-hour IOP in habitual position is more sensitive for detecting high nocturnal IOP peaks and greater IOP fluctuation for POAG patients.

New considerations for the clinical efficacy of old and new topical glaucoma medications

Glaucoma is the most common form of irreversible blindness in the world. Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only clinically established method of treatment to slow the progression of glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve head and often is associated with changes to the trabecular meshwork that cause a reduction to aqueous humour outflow and an increase in intraocular pressure. Until recently, topical IOP lowering medication has been limited to the mechanisms of action of decreasing aqueous production and/or redirecting outflow to the unconventional uveoscleral outflow pathway. Both of these mechanisms neglect to treat or act on tissue that becomes altered from glaucoma. Latanoprostene-bunod 0.024%, a nitric-oxide donating prostanoid, netarsudil 0.02%, a potent Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor and norepinephrine transporter inhibitor, and a once daily dosed fixed combination medication with netarsudil 0.02% and latanoprost 0.005% have recently come on the market. This paper will discuss and review the limitations to traditional IOP lowering glaucoma medications as well as the mechanism of actions and clinical efficacy of the new glaucoma medications. It will also discuss how the new class of glaucoma medications might help to overcome some known limitations in treatment and barriers to patient adherence.

Balancing treatments for patients with systemic hypertension and glaucoma

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of glaucoma and systemic hypertension requires careful balancing of ophthalmic and systemic medications. This report offers background on various common therapies and considerations to minimize undesirable systemic and ophthalmic outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Key considerations relating to medical treatments for systemic hypertension and glaucoma chosen from a review of the literature are included. The historic safety of ophthalmic beta blockers and sub-types as well as combination agents are described. The potential role of ocular perfusion pressure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma is reviewed with a discussion of landmark studies, including the Barbados Eye Study and the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial, with implications for medication choices for hypertension and glaucoma. Systemic antihypertensives are considered with regards to their potential association with glaucoma and its progression, especially in patients with low blood pressure and normal tension glaucoma. Opinions are offered with regard to therapeutic choices and considerations.

EXPERT OPINION

The medical treatment of systemic hypertension and glaucoma carries the potential for drug interactions and significant adverse effects requiring customization for each patient's particular issues. The evolution of new therapies and treatment paradigms, including laser as a first-line treatment, has expanded safe options and minimized potential dangers for high-risk patients.

Maximum Medical Therapy: Brinzolamide/Brimonidine And Travoprost/Timolol Fixed-Dose Combinations In Glaucoma And Ocular Hypertension

Introduction

Maximal medical therapy (MMT) is the use of ≥3 classes of topical anti-glaucoma agents to achieve maximal intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction while minimizing adverse effects and compliance challenges.

Purpose

To evaluate the additive IOP-lowering effect of twice-daily brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed-dose combination (BBFC) used adjunctively with once daily travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed-dose combination (TTFC) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG)/ocular hypertension (OHT).

Methods

In this phase IV, double-masked study, patients on TTFC for ≥28 days, aged ≥18 years, with mean IOP ≥19 and ≤28 mmHg in at least 1 eye were randomized to receive BBFC+TTFC (n=67) or vehicle+TTFC (n=67) for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in diurnal IOP from baseline (BL, averaged over 09:00 and 11:00) at Week 6.

Results

The study was terminated prematurely due to recruitment challenges. BL mean IOP was similar in both groups (BBFC+TTFC: 21.6±1.78 mmHg; vehicle+TTFC: 21.8±1.90 mmHg). Mean change in diurnal IOP from BL at Week 6 was greater with BBFC+TTFC (−4.25 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −4.7, −3.8) than with vehicle+TTFC (−2.11 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.6, −1.6, treatment difference, −2.15 mmHg (95% CI: −2.8, −1.5; P<0.001). Ocular adverse events (AEs) were reported in 11.9% of patients given BBFC+TTFC and 7.5% of patients given vehicle+TTFC. The AE with highest frequency was punctate keratitis (3%) in the BBFC+TTFC group; eye irritation (3%) in the vehicle+TTFC group.

Conclusion

BBFC+TTFC as MMT demonstrated clinically relevant and statistically significant reductions in mean diurnal IOP in patients with OAG/OHT. AEs were consistent with known safety profiles of individual medications.

Role of 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Monitoring in Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the prevalence is on the rising trend. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is the mainstay of treatment. The current practice of IOP monitoring is based on spot measurements during clinic visits during office hours. However, there are up to 50% of glaucoma patients who had normal initial IOP, while some treated patients continued to have progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage even with a low IOP. Recent studies have shown that the IOP of glaucoma patients fluctuated during the day with different patterns, and some of them had peak IOP outside office hours. These findings provided us with new insights on the role of 24-hour IOP monitoring in managing normal tension glaucoma and patients with progressive deterioration despite apparently well-controlled IOP. Nevertheless, results to date are rather inconsistent, and there is no consensus yet. In this review, we briefly highlighted the current modalities of 24-hour IOP monitoring and summarized the characteristic 24-hour IOP pattern and the clinical relevance of IOP parameters in predicting glaucomatous progression in different glaucoma subtypes. We also discussed the therapeutic efficacy of current glaucoma treatment modalities with respect to the mentioned 24-hour IOP profiles, so as to strengthen the role of 24-hour IOP monitoring in identifying and stratifying the risks of progression in glaucoma patients, as well as optimizing treatments according to their IOP profiles.

Adrenergic agonists and antagonists as antiglaucoma agents: a literature and patent review (2013-2019)

Introduction: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the eye characterized by selective retinal ganglion cell loss that provokes progressive defects in the visual field. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important contributor for the progression of glaucoma. The current therapeutic arsenal for reducing IOP includes prostaglandin analogs, β-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α-adrenergic agonist, miotics, rho-kinase inhibitors and combinations thereof, generally administered as eye drops. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews the state of art on adrenergic modulators for treating glaucoma. Both monotherapy and fixed-drugs combinations including α₂-adrenergic agonists and β-blockers are discussed as well as drug delivery systems where these classes of drugs are used. The review then covers the patent literature involving adrenoceptors modulators over the period 2013-2019. Expert opinion: While the scientific community is moving forward novel targets and related modulators for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension, adrenergic modulators held a prominent position in the therapy of glaucoma and related disorders. Indeed, though not embodying anymore the first-choice monotherapy, they are widely marketed worldwide ordinarily in combination with other drugs, are subjects of many studies for identifying new drug compositions and have been assessed as active ingredients in several innovative ocular drug delivery systems.

Preservative-Free Prostaglandin Analogs and Prostaglandin/Timolol Fixed Combinations in the Treatment of Glaucoma: Efficacy, Safety and Potential Advantages

Glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (OSD) is a serious pathology with a broad spectrum of insidious clinical presentations and complex pathogenesis that undermines long-term glaucoma care. Preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK), contained in topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications frequently cause or aggravate OSD in glaucoma. Management of these patients is challenging, and to date often empirical due to the scarcity of controlled long-term clinical trials. Most of the available data are extracted from case series and retrospective analysis. Preservative-free prostaglandins and prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations are novel options developed to remove the harmful impact of preservatives, especially BAK, upon ocular tissues. Based on what is currently known on the value of preservative-free antiglaucoma therapies it is tempting to speculate how these new therapies may affect the future medical management of all glaucoma patients. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the current literature on preservative-free prostaglandins and preservative-free prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations.

24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Control with Fixed-dose Combination Brinzolamide 1%/Brimonidine 0.2%: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of fixed-combination brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% (BBFC) over a 24-hour period.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group clinical trial conducted at 16 academic and nonacademic sites in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) aged ≥18 years with mean baseline IOP measurements in at least 1 eye of ≥21 and <28 mmHg.

METHODS

Duplicate mean pneumatonometer IOP measurements were collected every 2 hours over a 24-hour period in controlled light conditions in overnight facilities. Daytime (8 am-8 pm) and nocturnal (10 pm-6 am) IOP measurements were collected in a sitting or supine position, respectively. Baseline 24-hour IOP was measured in untreated subjects after a washout (up to 4 weeks) and eligibility phase. After the baseline visit, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive masked BBFC or vehicle, 1 drop 3 times daily (8 am, 3 pm, and 10 pm) for 4 weeks. At week 4, IOP measurements were repeated in both groups under the same conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean change from baseline in 24-hour IOP at week 4.

RESULTS

Of 125 participants randomized, 123 (98%; BBFC, n = 62; vehicle, n = 61) completed the study. No subjects randomized to BBFC discontinued the study. At week 4, BBFC-treated eyes had significantly reduced mean 24-hour IOP vs. vehicle (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -2.5 [-3.3, -1.7]; P < 0.001); daytime (-3.4 [-4.3, -2.6]; P < 0.001) and nocturnal (-1.2 [-2.3, 0.0]; P = 0.053) reductions were observed. Mean change from baseline was significantly different between BBFC- and vehicle-treated eyes at all daytime points and 3 of 5 nocturnal time points (10 pm, 12 am, and 6 am; secondary end point). The frequency of adverse events was similar between treatment groups; in the BBFC arm, ocular hyperemia, corneal abrasion, and dysgeusia were the most frequently reported, consistent with events described in the drug label.

CONCLUSIONS

This large, multicenter study of 24-hour IOP control with BBFC met its primary end point; BBFC demonstrated significantly superior 24-hour IOP-lowering efficacy versus vehicle after 4 weeks of 3-times-daily treatment in subjects with OAG or OHT.