Twenty-four hour efficacy with preservative free tafluprost compared with latanoprost in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Analyzing Longitudinal Data from Glaucoma Trials

In glaucoma trials, patients often come in for multiple visits, and at each visit, intraocular pressures are taken at multiple timepoints throughout the day. A mixed model for repeated measures is often used to model the data from such trials. One modeling approach is to jointly model all visits and timepoints together. Another modeling approach is to model data across all visits at each timepoint separately. I conducted a simulation study to compare the two modeling approaches. The results suggest that modeling each timepoint separately across all visits is superior, especially when missing data are low. This approach is recommended over jointly modeling all visits and timepoints together.

Using 24-h intraocular pressure-related patterns to identify open-angle glaucoma in thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE

Our study aims to develop a diagnostic model using 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) patterns to differentiate between open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients with glaucoma-like symptoms.

METHODS

TED patients with elevated IOP, abnormal optic disc, and/or visual fields were prospectively recruited. The subjects whose symptoms were relieved by DON first-line treatments were divided into the DON group, and the subjects with previous diagnosis of OAG before TED onset were divided into the OAG group. The 24-h IOP was monitored by Tono-Pen in a sitting position during awake time and in a supine position during sleep time. All subjects were divided into a training set and a testing set. The diagnostic models were generated from training set by using either IOP curve-derived parameters or principal component (PC) factors. The discrimination ability was tested in training set based on area under curve (AUC), and the calibration ability was verified in testing set by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated by two-by-two table with the cutoff value determined by Youden's index.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases were recruited in each group. The 24-h IOP curves revealed a nocturnal pattern in both groups, with the acrophase moving slightly forward in the DON group (21:00 pm-24:00 pm) compared to the OAG group (22:00 pm-3:00 am). Several IOP curve-derived parameters differed between the two groups, with larger amplitude during sleep time (P < 0.000) and longer duration of IOP ≥ 21 mmHg at awake time (P = 0.004) in the DON group than the OAG group. However, the diagnostic model generated from IOP parameters showed poor reliability (P = 0.001) in calibration test and was rejected. The other model built on PC factors achieved good performance of discrimination (AUC = 0.943) and calibration (P = 0.139) with a sensitivity of 87.50% and a specificity of 95.83% at cutoff value of 0.538 to identify OAG cases.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic model facilitates discrimination between OAG and DON in TED patients based on 24-h IOP-related patterns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This work was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025394).

Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Tafluprost in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients with Corneal Disorders: A Taiwan Experience

Purpose. To investigate the efficacy and safety of switching to 0.0015% tafluprost ophthalmic solution with reduced benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with corneal disorders under 0.005% latanoprost treatment. Material and Methods. This was a single-arm, open-label, switching study on adult POAG patients treated with latanoprost 0.005% for more than 3 months, with corneal disorders but no dry eye therapy. All patients were switched to tafluprost 0.0015% and followed up for 3 months. The primary outcome was the change in fluorescein staining score (National Eye Institute/Industry [NEI] score) at the end of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), tear break-up time (TBUT), hyperemia score, and other ocular and nonocular adverse events. Results. Of the 20 patients initially enrolled, 17 patients, all with POAG, completed the study. At the end of the study, the mean NEI score significantly decreased by 1.8 ± 2.2 ( $p<0.01$ ). No significant changes in IOP were observed (12.8 ± 4.6 mmHg at baseline vs. 12.3 ± 4.0 mmHg on visit 2; $p=0.470$ ). TBUT increased by 1.2 ± 1.7 seconds ( $p<0.05$ ). The proportions of patients with no sign of hyperemia on the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva increased from 58.5% to 64.7% at baseline (before switching to tafluprost treatment) to 94.1% and 94.1%, respectively, after switching to tafluprost treatment. Dry eye sensation scores were significantly reduced ( $p<0.05$ ), while other ocular symptom scores did not change significantly. Conclusion. Switching to tafluprost 0.0015% significantly improved fluorescein staining score, TBUT, and conjunctival hyperemia while maintaining IOP control among POAG patients with corneal disorders.

Effectiveness and safety of tafluprost in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a post-marketing phase IV study in China

Background

Prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) are the first-line treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH). This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of Tapros® (0.0015% tafluprost eye drops) in Chinese patients with POAG and OH.

Methods

This phase IV, multicenter, non-comparative, prospective study enrolled patients with POAG and OH in China between 12/27/2017 and 04/15/2020. Patients who were treatment-naïve or untreated within one month (group A) or with unreached intraocular pressure (IOP) target after previous monotherapy of other PGAs (group B) or non-PGA IOP-lowering drugs (group C) were treated with 0.0015% tafluprost for three months. The IOP reduction, response rate, and safety were observed.

Results

There were 165, 89, and 31 patients in groups A, B, and C, with baseline IOPs of 22.4 ± 4.7, 21.0 ± 3.5, and 22.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively. The least-square means and percentages of IOP reduction at 3 months for groups A, B, and C were 4.7 (19.8%), 1.6 (6.1%), and 4.6 mmHg (20.3%), respectively. A significant reduction in IOP was observed at each visit compared with baseline (all P < 0.05). At the final visit, 57.0% of the participants in group A achieved an IOP reduction of ≥ 20%, while 40.4% and 77.4% in groups B and C achieved an IOP reduction of ≥ 10%. Fifty-eight treatment-related adverse events occurred in 46 participants (15.7%), of which the most common one was conjunctival hyperemia (34/293, 11.6%).

Conclusions

Tafluprost showed a sustained and significant effect with tolerable adverse events in Chinese patients with POAG and OH who were treatment-naïve or untreated within one month or received prior treatments with unsatisfying outcomes.

Phase 2b, Randomized, 3-Month, Dose-Finding Study of Sepetaprost in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: The ANGEL Study

Purpose:

This phase 2b, randomized, observer-masked, placebo- and active-controlled, parallel-group, multinational (USA and Japan), multicenter study (NCT03216902) assessed the optimal dose of sepetaprost ophthalmic solution in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods:

After washout, patients ≥18 years (USA) or ≥20 years of age (Japan) received once-daily sepetaprost for 3 months [0.0005% (n = 43); 0.001% (n = 43); 0.002% (n = 44); and 0.003% (n = 45)], latanoprost 0.005% (n = 44) or placebo until week 6, followed by sepetaprost 0.003% until month 3 (n = 22). Safety assessments included adverse event (AE) occurrence.

Results:

Baseline mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) was 24.3 mmHg for latanoprost and ranged between 24.1 and 24.5 mmHg for the sepetaprost groups. Sepetaprost 0.002% had the lowest IOP at each month 3 time point (9:00 AM; 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM) of all sepetaprost concentrations (mean ± standard error: 17.6 ± 0.5; 17.4 ± 0.4; 16.7 ± 0.4 mmHg); similar values were observed with latanoprost (18.1 ± 0.6; 17.3 ± 0.5; 17.2 ± 0.5 mmHg). A positive dose–response relationship was observed with the 3 lower sepetaprost doses; sepetaprost 0.002% had numerically greater IOP-lowering effects than sepetaprost 0.003%. All sepetaprost doses had statistically significantly greater IOP reductions from baseline versus placebo at week 6 (P < 0.0001). This IOP-lowering effect was consistent between Japan- and USA-based patients. Most AEs were mild and occurred numerically less frequently with sepetaprost 0.002% (34.1%) versus latanoprost (50.0%). The most frequently reported AE was conjunctival hyperemia.

Conclusion:

In this study, sepetaprost 0.002% was the optimal concentration, showing comparable IOP-lowering efficacy and safety with latanoprost 0.005%. Most AEs were mild; occurrence was numerically lower with sepetaprost 0.002% than latanoprost 0.005%.

Efficacy, Safety and Patient-Reported Outcomes with Preservative-Free (PF) Tafluprost or PF-Dorzolamide/Timolol Compared with Preserved Latanoprost: A Prospective Multicenter Study in Korean Glaucoma Patients with Ocular Surface Disease

To compare the efficacy, patient-reported satisfaction, and safety of preservative-free (PF)-tafluprost, PF-dorzolamide/timolol and preservative-containing (P)-latanoprost in Korean glaucoma patients with ocular surface disease (OSD). In a multicenter, prospective, interventional, non-randomized, controlled 12-week trial, 107 eligible patients received PF-tafluprost (n = 37), PF-dorzolamide/timolol (n = 34), or P-latanoprost eye drops (n = 36). Outcomes included changes from baseline in OSD Index (OSDI) scores (primary endpoint), intraocular pressure (IOP), and patient-reported treatment satisfaction, and safety at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, the mean total OSDI and subdomain (dry eye symptoms, visual-related function, environmental triggers) scores significantly improved from baseline with PF-tafluprost and PF-dorzolamide/timolol, but not with P-latanoprost. Significantly more PF-tafluprost than P-latanoprost recipients reported ‘highly improved/improved’ satisfaction (no significant difference between PF-dorzolamide/timolol and P-latanoprost). IOP changes were comparable among all three treatment groups. No new safety concerns were observed. PF-tafluprost and PF-dorzolamide/timolol showed statistically and clinically significant reductions in OSDI compared with P-latanoprost in Korean glaucoma patients with OSD.

Effects of 0.0015% preservative-free tafluprost on the equine eye

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and potential side effects of topical preservative-free (PF) tafluprost 0.0015% in ophthalmologically normal horses.

ANIMALS

Five adult grade horses.

PROCEDURES

One of the eyes of each horse was randomly chosen as the "treatment" eye, and consequently, the contralateral eye served as the "control." A single dose of PF tafluprost 0.0015% (0.2 mL) was instilled in the treated eye of each horse. Intraocular pressure (IOP), Schirmer's tear test (STT) levels of each eye, and an ophthalmic examination were performed at T0 (baseline), T30, T120, T24 h, and T48 h.

RESULTS

The mean IOP values of the treated eyes at baseline (T0), T30, T120, T24 h, and T48 h were 25.4 ± 4.8 mmHg, 21.2 ± 1.92 mmHg, 15.20 ± 2.48 mmHg, 18.40 ± 1.51 mmHg, and 24.60 ± 1.94 mmHg, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the mean baseline IOP level and the T120 and T24 h time points (p = .001 and p = .009). The mean STT levels at each time point showed insignificant fluctuations during the study (p = .140). Adverse effects such as chemosis and episcleral injection were observed 30 min after the instillation of tafluprost 0.0015% (T30). Blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia were observed 120 min (T120) after the administration of the medication.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tafluprost 0.0015% showed potential in reducing IOP, but due to its local side effects, it is not a good candidate for management of glaucoma in horses. Tafluprost did not notably affect STT.

A new look at the safety and tolerability of prostaglandin analogue eyedrops in glaucoma and ocular hypertension

INTRODUCTION

In the last 25 years, topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) have emerged to become first line and first choice therapeutic options in the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT). Although the short-term efficacy and safety of PGAs has been extensively investigated, less is known about their long term safety and tolerability. This gap in current knowledge is clinically relevant, because treatment-related adverse events and long-term tolerability issues are key determinants of the overall success of long-term therapy and the final outcome of a lifelong, symptomless disease like glaucoma.

AREAS COVERED

We include selected evidence pertaining to the safety and tolerability of available and emerging PGA formulations. We also outline PGA formulations with different concentrations of the active ingredient, different preservatives, and preservative-free (PF) options.

EXPERT OPINION

Undoubtedly PGAs will continue to play a major role in the medical therapy of glaucoma and OHT. Despite extensive literature and prolonged clinical experience with these agents worldwide, a number of areas that warrant further research have been identified in the present review. Recently launched novel PGAs, or those still in development offer new opportunities and future challenges.

Crossover randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of preservative-free Tafluprost 0.0015% to Latanoprost 0.005% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy and the tolerability of preservative-free Tafluprost 0.0015% (TP) vs Latanoprost 0.005% (LP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

Prospective, randomized, crossover study included patients with early POAG attending the outpatient clinic from July 2019 to February 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A included patients receiving TP and group B receiving LP. After 2 months, treatment was stopped for 1 month (washout period) then drops were switched between the groups for further 2 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded at baseline and monthly until 5 months. Efficacy was measured by the IOP reduction at the end of each treatment period. Tolerability was assessed both subjectively (questionnaire on ocular comfort) and objectively (ocular findings) at the end of each period.

Results:

A total of 30 patients were allocated into two groups (15 patients each). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in baseline clinical examinations. All the eyes in both groups achieved IOP reduction >20% compared to baseline values, with no statistically significant difference in between. Corneal erosions and conjunctival hyperemia were significantly higher in LP-treated eyes throughout the study, regardless of the sequence. Tear break-up time scores significantly worsened after LP at the 2^nd and 5^th month (P < 0.001and P = 0.026 respectively) but not after TP treatment (P = 0.719 and P = 0.164). Significant exacerbation in all patients’ symptoms was noticed on switching from TP to LP.

Conclusion:

Tafluprost was proved to exhibit a comparable effect on IOP control in POAG patients, as Latanoprost drops resulted in marked alleviation in both subjective and objective ocular discomfort manifestations.

Comparison between Latanoprost, Travoprost, and Tafluprost in reducing intraocular pressure fluctuations in patients with glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacies of latanoprost 0.005%, travoprost 0.004%, and tafluprost 0.0015% in reducing diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who were newly diagnosed with POAG were divided into three equal groups. Patients were examined at presentation and at second and sixth weeks. Diurnal phasing of IOP was conducted using a calibrated Goldmann applanation tonometer. IOP measurements were recorded from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

RESULTS

The study groups were distributed similarly in terms of age and gender (p-values: 0.76) and the participants had a mean age of 52.98 ± 13.43 years. The IOP at the day of inclusion was not statistically significant among the three groups (p-values 0.27, 0.51, and 0.64 at 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm, respectively). Similar nonsignificant differences were noticed on the follow-up visits. However, the tafluprost group showed a significant reduction in IOP on the follow-up visit at the second week at 8 pm (30.5% reduction, p-value: 0.03). All three drugs showed a comparable and significant reduction in IOP and IOP fluctuations. The pattern of side effects was similar in all the groups.

CONCLUSION

Latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost show a similar effectiveness in reducing the mean IOP and the diurnal IOP fluctuation in POAG. Importantly, the three drugs have comparable tolerability with insignificant differences regarding the pattern of their side effects.

Topical preservative-free ophthalmic treatments: an unmet clinical need

Introduction: The main role of preservatives in eyedrops is to ensure sterility and microbiological integrity of the drug, and to facilitate the penetration of active compounds into the eye. However, several studies documented significant toxic effects induced by preservatives, especially on the ocular surface. Consequently, most of the ophthalmic medications became progressively available in preservative-free (PF) formulations.Areas covered: We analyzed pre-clinical and clinical studies on PF eyedrops with particular attention to common chronic diseases such as dry eye and glaucoma. We discussed about the pros and cons of using PF eyedrops, in terms of efficacy, safety, and social-economic aspects.Expert opinion: There are still unresolved issues that make hard for PF medications to definitively conquer the drug market. Despite robust pre-clinical evidences of less toxicity, the low number of randomized clinical trials does not permit to state that PF eyedrops have, in clinical practice, a similar efficacy or a higher safety compared to preserved forms. These aspects limit their use to chronic diseases requiring long-term therapies with multiple daily instillations, especially in the presence of concomitant ophthalmic diseases that expose to a risk of ocular surface worsening.

The changes of corneal biomechanical properties with long-term treatment of prostaglandin analogue measured by Corvis ST

BACKGROUND

To investigate the corneal biomechanical changes in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients treated with long-term prostaglandin analogue (PGA).

METHODS

One hundred eleven newly diagnosed POAG patients, including 43 high tension glaucoma (HTG) and 68 normal tension glaucoma (NTG), were measured by Corvis ST to obtain intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal biomechanical parameters at baseline and at each follow-up visit after initiation of PGA treatment. The follow-up measurements were analyzed by the generalized estimate equation model with an exchangeable correlation structure. Restricted cubic spline was employed to estimate the dose-response relation between follow-up time and corneal biomechanics.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 10.3 ± 7.02 months. Deformation amplitude (β = -0.0015, P = 0.016), the first applanation velocity (AV1, β = -0.0004, P = 0.00058) decreased and the first applanation time (AT1, β = 0.0089, P < 0.000001) increased statistically significantly with PGA therapy over time after adjusting for age, gender, axial length, corneal curvature, IOP and CCT. In addition, AT1 was lower (7.2950 ± 0.2707 in NTG and 7.5889 ± 0.2873 in HTG, P = 0.00011) and AV1 was greater (0.1478 ± 0.0187 in NTG and 0.1314 ± 0.0191 in HTG, P = 0.00002) in NTG than in HTG after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic use of PGA probably influences the corneal biomechanical properties directly, which is to make cornea less deformable. Besides, corneas in NTG tended to be more deformable compared to those in HTG with long-term treatment of PGA.

Ocular Surface Changes After Switching from Other Prostaglandins to Tafluprost and Preservative-Free Tafluprost in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

To study ocular surface disease (OSD) changes after switching from preserved prostaglandin analogues monotherapy to preserved tafluprost and preservative-free (PF) tafluprost in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

Methods

Glaucoma patients treated with preserved prostaglandins (except tafluprost) monotherapy for at least 6 months, intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤22 mmHg, and diagnosed of OSD [≥1 criterion; tear break-up time (TBUT) ≤10 seconds, corneal fluorescein staining ≥grade 1] in both eyes were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. All eligible patients were switched from preserved prostaglandin analogues monotherapy (latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost) to preserved tafluprost in one eye (group I) and PF-tafluprost in the other eye (group II) of the same patient by randomization. The symptoms of OSD were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, and lid inflammation, conjunctival hyperemia, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining, and Schirmer I test were applied to assess the clinical signs. All parameters were evaluated before and then 6, 12, 24 weeks after switching the medications.

Results

Thirty patients (80% women; mean age: 61.2 ±11.5 years) were included. Baseline parameters were not different between the treatment groups. After switching therapies, TBUT was significantly increased in both groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, respectively); however, group II had better tear quality. Other symptoms and clinical signs of OSD were improved and IOP was controlled in both groups.

Conclusion

Treatment with PF-tafluprost improves TBUT better than preserved tafluprost, suggesting that PF-tafluprost should be especially beneficial for patients with pre-existing OSD. Less or no preservative anti-glaucoma eye drops can restore and enhance the ocular surface in glaucoma patients.

Fixed-combination topical anti-hypertensive ophthalmic agents

INTRODUCTION

Fixed-combination glaucoma medications have altered the paradigm of ocular hypertension and glaucoma treatment and are in widespread use today. A comprehensive review of fixed-combination medications will help educate and inform providers for optimal patient care.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors describe the composition, mechanism of action, efficacy, side effects, and safety profile of fixed-combination agents for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma as well as comparisons between the most frequently prescribed medications.

EXPERT OPINION

Fixed-combination therapeutics provide an effective and efficient means of lowering intraocular pressure with comparable side effects and outcomes to constituent parts with lower patient exposure to preservatives and improvement in compliance.

Efficacy and safety of 0.0015% tafluprost versus 0.005% latanoprost in primary open angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension: a Meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of tafluprost 0.0015% eye drops [benzalkonium chloride (BAK) 0.1 mg/mL] compared with that of latanoprost 0.005% eye drops (BAK 0.2 mg/mL) for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).

METHODS

All the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about treating POAG and OHT comparing tafluprost and latanoprost were collected by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and VIP. The outcomes of interest to evaluate the clinical efficacy and adverse effects included IOP and patient-related drop discomfort.

RESULTS

Five RCTs involving 888 glaucoma patients were included. The results showed that, 1) at the end of the study, no statistically significant differences were observed in IOP reduction [standard mean difference (SMD) =0.48, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.88, P=0.085] between tafluprost and latanoprost; 2) No statistically significant differences were observed in adverse events of foreign-body sensation [relative risk (RR) =0.62, 95%CI 0.26 to 1.46, P=0.269], eye irritation (RR=1.16, 95%CI 0.49 to 2.75, P=0.744), eye pain (RR=2.000, 95%CI 0.949 to 4.216, P=0.07), iris hyper-pigmentation (RR=0.741, 95%CI 0.235 to 2.334, P=0.61), dry eye (RR=1.154, 95%CI 0.409 to 3.256, P=0.79) and eye pruritus (RR=1.600, 95%CI 0.536 to 4.774, P=0.4) between tafluprost and latanoprost. However, tafluprost showed more reported incidence of conjunctival hyperaemia than latanoprost (RR=2.11, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.59, P=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Tafluprost 0.0015% eye drops (BAK 0.1 mg/mL) and latanoprost 0.005% eye drops (BAK 0.2 mg/mL) are comparable in lowering IOP for open angle glaucoma (OAG) and OHT. It does not differ in the incidence of foreign-body sensation, eye irritation, eye pain, iris hyper-pigmentation, dry eye and eye pruritus, but tafluprost shows less ocular tolerability because of more incidence of conjunctival hyperaemia.

Management Of Glaucoma In Developing Countries: Challenges And Opportunities For Improvement

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the developed and developing world. Not only is the clinical impact of this disease considerable, but associated economic and humanistic burdens – affecting patients, caregivers, and society – are substantial. Since glaucoma is an age-related disorder and populations in many developing countries are aging at a faster pace than in the developed world, increasing attention is being focused on ways to ameliorate the burdens of illness. In this paper, we examine the burdens of glaucoma with particular focus on developing countries, discuss some of the challenges that exist in delivering optimal glaucoma management within budget constraints, and bring into perspective how we could improve current healthcare systems, leverage technology, and strike an appropriate balance between cost and quality of care, thereby offering considerations to payors and policymakers in these countries that may result in longer-term cost savings, while concurrently striving to achieve the WHO Vision on the prevention of blindness and visual impairment.

Assessment of the optic nerve head, peripapillary, and macular microcirculation in the newly diagnosed patients with primary open-angle glaucoma treated with topical tafluprost and tafluprost/timolol fixed combination

RELEVANCE:

The ability of antiglaucoma drugs to improve ocular hemoperfusion is an important aspect of their action. Tafluprost is the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog. The efficacy and safety of tafluprost, as well as tafluprost/timolol fixed combination (FC), were demonstrated in randomized multicenter trials. However, there is no literature on the effect of tafluprost and its FC on the peripapillary and macular blood flow.

PURPOSE:

To determine the changes of microcirculation in the optic nerve head (ONH), peripapillary retina, and macula in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) under the topical tafluprost and tafluprost/timolol FC treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was performed in dynamics with an interval of a week in 36 patients (36 eyes) with a newly diagnosed initial stage of POAG: 12 eyes with tafluprost, 12 – tafluprost/timolol FC, and 12 – no topical treatment (the control group). The change in intraocular pressure (IOP), mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) of the eye, and vessel density (VD) inside the ONH (inside disc), as well as in the peripapillary retina and macula, was evaluated by comparing paired repeated observations using the median growth analysis.

RESULTS:

In the tafluprost group, there were a decrease in IOP by 19.4% and an increase in MOPP by 8.7% from the reference level. In the tafluprost/timolol group, these figures were 43% and 30.1%, respectively. OCT-A values did not change reliably, except for VD inside disc: the median growth of the tafluprost group was 2.28 (P = 0.02) and of the tafluprost/timolol group was 1.82 (P = 0.03). These changes were obtained in 11 of 12 patients in each group under treatment. In control group, all indicators remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant increase of MOPP and a decrease of VD in the ONH in patients with initial glaucoma occurred within a week under the topical tafluprost or its FC. This can be explained by the restoration of autoregulation of the ocular blood flow in conditions of pronounced hypotensive effect of the drugs.

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.

Diurnal and 24-h Intraocular Pressures in Glaucoma: Monitoring Strategies and Impact on Prognosis and Treatment

The present review casts a critical eye on intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring and its value in current and future glaucoma care. Crucially, IOP is not fixed, but varies considerably during the 24-h cycle and between one visit and another. Consequently, a single IOP measurement during so-called office hours is insufficient to characterize the real IOP pathology of a patient with glaucoma. To date IOP remains the principal and only modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. Only by evaluating IOP characteristics (mean, peak and fluctuation of IOP) at diagnosis and after IOP-lowering interventions can we appreciate the true efficacy of therapy. Unfortunately, a major limiting factor in glaucoma management is lack of robust IOP data collection. Treatment decisions, advancement of therapy and even surgery are often reached on the basis of limited IOP evidence. Clearly, there is much room to enhance our decision-making and to develop new algorithms for everyday practice. The precise way in which daytime IOP readings can be used as predictors of night-time or 24-h IOP characteristics remains to be determined. In practice it is important to identify those at-risk glaucoma patients for whom a complete 24-h curve is necessary and to distinguish them from those for whom a daytime curve consisting of three IOP measurements (at 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00) would suffice. By employing a staged approach in determining the amount of IOP evidence needed and the rigour required for our monitoring approach for the individual patient, our decisions will be based on more comprehensive data, while at the same time this will optimize use of resources. The patient’s clinical picture should be the main factor that determines which method of IOP monitoring is most appropriate. A diurnal or ideally a 24-h IOP curve will positively impact the management of glaucoma patients who show functional/anatomical progression, despite an apparently acceptable IOP in the clinic. The potential impact of nocturnal IOP elevation remains poorly investigated. The ideal solution in the future is the development of non-invasive methods for obtaining continuous, Goldmann equivalent IOP data on all patients prior to key treatment decisions. Moreover, an important area of future research is to establish the precise relationship between 24-h IOP characteristics and glaucoma progression.

Ocular surface status in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients with existing corneal disorders switched from latanoprost 0.005% to tafluprost 0.0015%: comparison of two prostaglandin analogues with different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride

IMPORTANCE

Glaucoma treatment has often been associated with adverse side-effects from preservatives that are included in the used eye drops.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate changes in the ocular surface and the presence of prostaglandin-induced corneal disorders after being switched from latanoprost 0.005% to low preservative tafluprost 0.0015% ophthalmic solution.

DESIGN

Single centre, prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension that had received treatment with once daily latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution for control of intraocular pressure (IOP) for 3 months, with a score of above 1 on the National Eye Institute (NEI) ocular surface staining scale.

METHODS

Following the ≥3 month latanoprost treatment period, patients were switched to once daily low preservative tafluprost 0.0015% ophthalmic solution. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ocular surface changes were assessed by fluorescein staining score (NEI scale). Additional evaluations included tear break-up time, hyperaemia score, subjective symptoms, changes in intraocular pressure and presence of adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Out of 59 patients enrolled, 51 were included in the final analysis. Fluorescein staining scores at baseline, prior to treatment switch, were 6.9 ± 3.1 and 3.3 ± 2.7 at the end of the study period (change in scores was -3.6 ± 2.2 [P < 0.001]). At last follow-up, significant improvements were observed in tear break-up time, hyperaemia score and subjective symptoms (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The clinical signs of ocular surface disease and subjective symptoms of dry eyes improved following the switch to low preservative tafluprost and demonstrated comparable IOP lowering effectiveness.

Eye Drop Dispenser Type and Medication Possession Ratio in Patients With Glaucoma: Single-Use Containers Versus Multiple-Use Bottles

PURPOSE

To determine whether the consumption of topical glaucoma medication is influenced by the type of eye drop dispenser.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We examined 366 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were bilaterally treated with 0.0015% tafluprost or 2% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol fixed combination (DTFC). The patients were grouped by the type of dispenser and content of eye drops used: (1) tafluprost in bottles (T-Bottle group); (2) tafluprost in unit-dose pipettes (T-Unit group); (3) DTFC in bottles (C-Bottle group); and (4) DTFC in unit-dose pipettes (C-Unit group). We evaluated the medication possession ratio (MPR) among groups, and factors associated with over-consumption (MPR > 1.2) or under-consumption (MPR < 0.8) in multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean MPR was 1.49 (range, 0.69-2.91) in the T-Bottle group, 0.91 (range, 0.32-1.27) in the T-Unit group, 1.25 (range, 0.51-2.60) in the C-Bottle group, and 0.96 (range, 0.36-1.60) in the C-Unit group. The Bottle groups demonstrated higher mean values and wider ranges of MPR compared to the Unit groups. The MPR interval at which the largest number of patients were found was 1.0-1.4 in the Bottle groups and 0.8-1.2 in the Unit groups. Bottle-type dispenser (odds ratio [OR] 64.02), tafluprost medication (OR 2.84), and older age (OR 1.03) were associated with over-consumption, whereas no factor was correlated with under-consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of eye drop dispenser affects the consumption of glaucoma medication. Physicians should consider the type of eye drop dispenser when assessing glaucoma medication adherence.

The 24-hour intraocular pressure control by tafluprost/timolol fixed combination after switching from the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP)-control effect of the tafluprost/timolol fixed combination (TAF/TIM-FC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma after they switched from the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution.

Patients and methods

Twenty patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (12 male and 8 female; mean ± SD age, 57.0±7.1 years) were included in this study. The patients were treated for 8 weeks with the concomitant administration of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution (evening dosing). At the end of this period, the patients underwent 24-hour IOP monitoring (measured at 21:00, 01:00, 05:00, 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00). IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and Icare PRO at sitting position at all timepoints and additionally, at supine position with Icare PRO tonometer at 01:00 and 05:00. The patients were then all switched to TAF/TIM-FC treatment (evening dosing). After 8 weeks, the 24-hour IOP monitoring was repeated.

Results

Nineteen patients completed the study. The mean 24-hour IOPs in the concomitant and TAF/TIM-FC phases were 13.8±2.7 vs 13.3±2.8 mmHg (P=0.0033) with the GAT in the sitting position and 13.96±2.56 vs 13.48±2.56 mmHg (P=0.0120) with the Icare PRO in habitual positions. In comparison with the concomitant phase, significantly lower IOP was observed for the TAF/TIM-FC phase at 21:00 and 01:00 with the GAT and at 01:00 with the Icare PRO. In addition, the maximum IOP and fluctuations in IOP in habitual positions were lower for the TAF/TIM-FC phase than for the concomitant phase.

Conclusion

TAF/TIM-FC showed a stable 24-hour IOP-lowering effect and was equally or more effective than the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel, both when sitting and when in habitual positions.

Comparison of macular choroidal thickness in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome to normal control subjects with enhanced depth SD-OCT imaging

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that macular choroidal thickness is lower in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) as compared to healthy control subjects.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, observational study, 38 non-glaucomatous PXS subjects and 37 healthy volunteers were enrolled in a tertiary care Glaucoma Clinic. The macular region was scanned with the enhanced depth imaging (EDI) protocol of a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) device (Spectralis OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Macular choroidal thickness and volumes were compared in nine sectors of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) layout profile across the central 3.45 mm zone after manual segmentation of the choroidal thickness. Linear mixed modeling was used to adjust for confounding variables.

Results

Six PXS eyes and 8 control eyes were excluded due to poor image quality leaving 32 PXS and 29 control eyes for final analyses. The average age and axial length of the PXS and control groups were 67.94 ± 7.30 vs 64.86 ± 7.04 and 22.91 ± 0.77 vs 23.24 ± 0.66 mm, respectively, (P = 0.10 and 0.20). There was no significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between the two groups (P = 0.24). The choroidal thickness was significantly lower in the central subfield subfoveal area (P = 0.02) and in the inner superior (P = 0.03) and inner nasal quadrants (P = 0.03) in the PXS group compared to the control group, as was the choroidal volume (P = 0.02). No significant difference was found in macular choroidal thickness after adjusting for age, gender, and axial length. While there was a significant negative association between age and central subfield choroidal thickness in the control group (r = -0.48, P = 0.01), this association was not significant in the PXS group (r = -0.08, P = 0.68).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the choroid does not seem to be significantly altered in PXS eyes. Choroidal thickness changes need to be explored in PXS eyes with glaucoma.

A Novel Convergent Synthesis of the Potent Antiglaucoma Agent Tafluprost

Tafluprost (AFP-168, 5) is a unique 15-deoxy-15,15-difluoro-16-phenoxy prostaglandin F₂α (PGF_2α) analog used as an efficacious ocular hypotensive agent in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as monotherapy, or as adjunctive therapy to β-blockers. A novel convergent synthesis of 5 was developed employing Julia–Lythgoe olefination of the structurally advanced prostaglandin phenylsulfone 16, also successfully applied for manufacturing of pharmaceutical grade latanoprost (2), travoprost (3) and bimatoprost (4), with an aldehyde ω-chain synthon 17. The use of the same prostaglandin phenylsulfone 16, as a starting material in parallel syntheses of all commercially available antiglaucoma PGF_2α analogs 2–5, significantly reduces manufacturing costs resulting from its synthesis on an industrial scale and development of technological documentation. Another key aspect of the route developed is deoxydifluorination of a trans-13,14-en-15-one 30 with Deoxo-Fluor. Subsequent hydrolysis of protecting groups and final esterification of acid 6 yielded tafluprost (5). The main advantages are the preparation of high purity tafluprost (5) and the application of comparatively cheap reagents. The preparation and identification of two other tafluprost acid derivatives, tafluprost methyl ester (32) and tafluprost ethyl amide (33), are also described.

24-Hour Efficacy and Ocular Surface Health with Preservative-Free Tafluprost Alone and in Conjunction with Preservative-Free Dorzolamide/Timolol Fixed Combination in Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients Insufficiently Controlled with Preserved Latanoprost Monotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 24-h efficacy, tolerability, and ocular surface health with preservative-free (PF) tafluprost and a PF triple drug regimen comprising tafluprost and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) in open-angle glaucoma patients who were insufficiently controlled with preserved branded or generic latanoprost monotherapy and who exhibited signs or symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD).

METHODS

Prospective, observer-masked, crossover, comparison. Eligible consecutive open-angle glaucoma patients were randomized to either PF tafluprost or the triple PF regimen for 3 months. They were then crossed over to the opposite therapy for another 3 months. At the end of the latanoprost run-in period and after each PF treatment period, patients underwent habitual 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring with Goldmann tonometry in the sitting position (at 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00) and Perkins tonometry in the supine position (at 02:00 and 06:00). Tolerability and selected ocular surface parameters were evaluated at baseline and the end of each treatment period.

RESULTS

Forty-three open-angle glaucoma patients completed the trial. Mean 24-h IOP on preserved latanoprost was 22.2 ± 3.9 mmHg. Compared with latanoprost monotherapy, PF tafluprost obtained a greater reduction in mean, peak, and fluctuation of 24-h IOP including the 02:00 and 06:00 time points (P < 0.05). With the exception of 24-h fluctuation, the triple PF regimen provided significantly lower IOP parameters than latanoprost or PF tafluprost (P < 0.001). Finally, PF tafluprost therapy displayed significantly improved tear film break-up times (6.7 vs 6.0 s), corneal staining (1.3 vs 2.2), and Schirmer I test results (9.1 vs 8.2 mm) compared with the preserved latanoprost baseline (all P < 0.01). The triple PF regimen demonstrated similar tear film break-up times (6.1 vs 6.0 s) and Schirmer I test results (8.2 vs 8.2 mm) to latanoprost, but revealed a significant improvement in the corneal stain test (1.7 vs 2.2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial PF tafluprost therapy provided statistically greater 24-h efficacy and improved tolerability compared with preserved latanoprost. The combination of PF tafluprost and PF dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination was statistically and clinically more efficacious than both monotherapies and demonstrated similar ocular surface characteristics to preserved latanoprost monotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02802137).

FUNDING

Santen.

Fixed combination of travoprost and timolol maleate reduces intraocular pressure in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: analysis by prostaglandin analogue

BACKGROUND

We have shown a decrease in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) by switching to travoprost/timolol fixed combination (TTFC) in subjects receiving prostaglandin analogue (PGA) monotherapy and requiring additional medication in a previous report. For analyzing factors affecting IOP reduction, baseline IOP and preceding PGA were selected as statistically and clinically significant factors. In this report, we examine IOP-lowering effect and adverse drug reactions by preceding PGA.

METHODS

Patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who received monotherapy with one of four PGAs (travoprost, latanoprost, tafluprost, or bimatoprost) for at least 3 months at 26 institutions and were determined to require additional medication by their primary physician were included. IOP reduction and adverse events were examined at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for each of four PGAs after switching to TTFC.

RESULTS

In total, 157 patients who could be followed up for at least 4 weeks after switching to TTFC were included in the efficacy analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed, and baseline IOP and PGA were found to be significant factors to IOP reduction. IOP reduction at week 12, adjusted with the regression model, was -3.5, -1.8, and -1.4 mmHg in the tafluprost, latanoprost, and travoprost groups, whereas it was -0.5 mmHg in the bimatoprost group. Along with differences in baseline IOP between groups, an IOP-lowering effect of >1 mmHg was noted in the tafluprost, latanoprost, and travoprost groups after the switch. IOP was maintained at 13.8-14.8 mmHg throughout the follow-up period. No serious adverse events or noteworthy issues were observed in any group after the switch.

CONCLUSION

Clinically significant IOP-reducing effects of TTFC were observed in the latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost groups when switching from each PGA monotherapy, while there were some differences in effects between groups, with minimal safety concerns.

Comparison study of intraocular pressure reduction efficacy and safety between latanoprost and tafluprost in Japanese with normal-tension glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction efficacy and safety between the ophthalmic solutions 0.005% latanoprost (Lat) and 0.0015% tafluprost (Taf) in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

In this randomized nonmasked study, we prospectively enrolled 30 Japanese NTG patients who had used Lat monotherapy for more than 4 weeks, and randomly divided them into the following two groups: 1) Lat-to-Taf group (LT group) and 2) Taf-to-Lat group (TL group). At the beginning of the study, both groups were switched from initial Lat to Lat or Taf for 12 weeks, and then switched over to the other drug (crossover) for 12 additional weeks. At 0, 4, 12, 16, and 24 weeks, we evaluated each patient’s IOP, conjunctival injection, and corneal epitheliopathy score, and at 0, 12, and 24 weeks, we evaluated their eyelash changes and pigmentation of the eyelids and irises.

Results

The mean IOP of the LT group (15 eyes) was 10.5, 10.6, and 11.1 mmHg, at 0, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively, whereas that of the TL group (15 eyes) was 11.7, 11.1, and 10.5 mmHg at 0, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups and in the intragroup comparisons. Moreover, no significant differences were found between Lat and Taf in regard to the conjunctival injection score and corneal epitheliopathy score. Eyelash changes and eyelid and iris pigmentation were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this study show that Lat and Taf have equivalent efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with NTG.

Ocular Tolerability of Preservative-Free Tafluprost and Latanoprost: in vitro and in vivo Comparative Study

Objective:

Detrimental effects of the preserved prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) have been thoroughly documented in the published literature. The current work studied two preservative-free (PF) prostaglandin eye drops: PF tafluprost and PF latanoprost. The aim of the study was to compare these two PF formulations in vitro for viability of the human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cells and in vivo for ocular tolerability of the rabbit eye.

Method:

Viability of the HCE-T cells was measured by the MTS assay. The SV40-immortalized HCE-T cells were exposed to 100 µL of the drug solutions (at their commercial concentrations) or the culture medium. Ocular irritation was evaluated after repeated instillation of the drug solutions in Japanese white rabbits (Kbl:JW).

Results:

A significant loss of HCE-T cell viability was observed in vitro immediately after the exposure to PF latanoprost formulation but not immediately after the exposure to PF tafluprost formulation. Congruently, PF latanoprost induced in vivo more irritation on the rabbit eye than PF tafluprost.

Conclusion:

Comparing these two PF formulations in vitro and in vivo, it is considered that ocular tolerability of PF tafluprost is better than PF latanoprost. Taking into account the composition of these two PF PGA formulations, the solubilizing agent macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate 40 (MGHS40) contained in PF latanoprost formulation is a plausible cause for the negative effects.

24-h Efficacy of Glaucoma Treatment Options

Current management of glaucoma entails the medical, laser, or surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) to a predetermined level of target IOP, which is commensurate with either stability or delayed progression of visual loss. In the published literature, the hypothesis is often made that IOP control implies a single IOP measurement over time. Although the follow-up of glaucoma patients with single IOP measurements is quick and convenient, such measurements often do not adequately reflect the untreated IOP characteristics, or indeed the quality of treated IOP control during the 24-h cycle. Since glaucoma is a 24-h disease and the damaging effect of elevated IOP is continuous, it is logical that we should aim to understand the efficacy of all treatment options throughout the 24-h period. This article first reviews the concept and value of diurnal and 24-h IOP monitoring. It then critically evaluates selected available evidence on the 24-h efficacy of medical, laser and surgical therapy options. During the past decade several controlled trials have significantly enhanced our understanding on the 24-h efficacy of all glaucoma therapy options. Nevertheless, more long-term evidence is needed to better evaluate the 24-h efficacy of glaucoma therapy and the precise impact of IOP characteristics on glaucomatous progression and visual prognosis.

Effect of preservative-free tafluprost on intraocular pressure, pupil diameter, and anterior segment structures in normal canine eyes

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter (PD), and anterior segment parameters using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) after instillation of preservative-free (PF) tafluprost in normal dogs.

PROCEDURES

Six beagle dogs were used. PF tafluprost was instilled in one randomly selected eye, and PF artificial tear was instilled in the other eye (control). IOP and PD were measured every 15 min for the first hour, every 2 h for the next 17 h, and at 24 h and 36 h postinstillation (PI). Anterior segment parameters including geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA), width of the entry of the ciliary cleft (CCW), length of the ciliary cleft, area of the ciliary cleft, and depth of the anterior chamber were measured with UBM before and after PF tafluprost instillation.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, IOP was significantly lower from 4 h PI to 24 h PI and PD was significantly smaller from 30 min PI to 18 h PI (P < 0.05). Among UBM parameters, ICA and CCW significantly decreased and increased after PF tafluprost instillation, respectively (P < 0.05). Other parameters showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Instillation of PF tafluprost lowered IOP and induced miosis in normal canine eyes. Alterations in ICA and CCW occurred simultaneously, which probably affected the outflow of aqueous humor. PF tafluprost could be considered an alternative prostaglandin analog in the treatment of canine glaucoma.

Twenty-four-hour efficacy of preservative-free tafluprost for open-angle glaucoma patients, assessed by home intraocular pressure (Icare-ONE) and blood-pressure monitoring

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of preservative-free (PF) tafluprost on diurnal variation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), measured by use of home IOP and blood-pressure (BP) monitoring devices, for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

METHODS

Twenty-two eyes from 22 patients with POAG were studied. Initially, IOP was measured at the hospital by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and Icare-ONE rebound tonometry. Each patient was then instructed how to use the Icare-ONE and BP home monitoring devices. IOP and BP were measured at home by the patients, every 4 h, before and 2 weeks after once daily treatment with PF tafluprost (0.0015%) ophthalmic solution.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlations between different IOP measurements were greater than 0.8. PF tafluprost reduced mean diurnal IOP significantly for patients with POAG, from 15.7 ± 1.2 mmHg at baseline to 12.5 ± 0.6 mmHg 2 weeks after treatment (p < 0.001). It increased mean diurnal OPP from 48.5 ± 7.3 mmHg at baseline to 51.3 ± 7.0 mmHg post-treatment (p < 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Icare-ONE enables glaucoma patients to measure their own diurnal IOP fluctuations. Patient-measured Icare-ONE IOP readings showed that PF tafluprost effectively reduced diurnal IOP in eyes with POAG.

Comparison of Cytotoxic Effects on Rabbit Corneal Endothelium between Preservative-free and Preservative-containing Dorzolamide/timolol

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the toxic effects of eyedrops containing a fixed combination of 2.0% dorzolamide and 0.5% maleate timolol with or without preservatives on rabbit corneal endothelium.

METHODS

This study was performed with 22 eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. Dorzolamide/timolol eyedrops with preservative (Cosopt group) or without preservative (Cosopt-S group) were diluted with a balanced salt solution at a 1 : 1 ratio. We injected 0.1 mL of diluted Cosopt into the anterior chamber of left eyes and an equal volume of diluted Cosopt-S into the anterior chamber of right eyes. Corneal thickness, corneal haze, and conjunctival injection were measured before and 24 hours after treatment. Endothelial damage was compared between both eyes by vital staining (alizarin red/trypan blue staining), live/dead cell assay, TUNEL assay, and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Corneal endothelial damage was severe in the Cosopt group. Cosopt-treated eyes exhibited remarkable corneal edema and prominent apoptosis of endothelial cells. In addition, the live/dead cell assay revealed many dead cells in the endothelium, and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that corneal endothelial cells exhibited a partial loss of microvilli on the surface as well as extensive destruction of intercellular junctions. However, in the Cosopt-S group, corneal edema was mild and the damage to the corneal endothelium was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

The main cause of corneal endothelial toxicity was due to the preservative in the dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination eyedrops, and not the active ingredient. Thus, it appears to be safer to use preservative-free eyedrops during the early postoperative period.

A 1-year randomized study of the clinical and confocal effects of tafluprost and latanoprost in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to compare the confocal and clinical features of newly diagnosed glaucoma patients receiving unpreserved prostaglandins (tafluprost) versus preserved prostaglandins (latanoprost).

Materials and Methods

40 patients were randomized to tafluprost 0.0015% (20 patients; 32 eyes) or latanoprost 0.005% + benzalkonium chloride 0.02% (20 patients; 35 eyes) once daily for 1 year. Inclusion criteria were new glaucoma diagnosis, and no ocular treatments for 6 months before the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months with a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, Schirmer’s test, break-up time test, confocal microscopy of the central cornea, and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP). Investigators were masked to treatment. Both eyes were analyzed if they fulfilled inclusion criteria. Treatments and changes between follow-up and baseline were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test and Chi-square test.

Results

At baseline, the two groups had similar age, ocular surface and confocal findings; keratocyte activation was present in 40%, branching pattern in 85%, and beading in 75%, with no inter-group differences. At follow-up, no significant clinical changes were detected, apart from a drop of IOP by 3.6–4.2 mmHg in the two groups (p < 0.001, with no difference between treatments). Despite inter-treatment ANOVA for confocal microscopy being negative, subtle changes were present. During follow-up, all eyes without nerve branching pattern at baseline progressively developed it when treated with latanoprost, whereas no change occurred using tafluprost treatment (p = 0.05). None of the eyes without beading at baseline developed it at the end of the study in the tafluprost group, whereas beading did occur in 75% of patients treated with latanoprost (p = 0.05). Both treatments were associated with increased keratocyte activation at follow-up; the change from baseline was statistically significant after month 3 with latanoprost (p = 0.02) and after month 6 with tafluprost (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The two study treatments had similar clinical effects, but tafluprost had a more favorable profile for some confocal parameters of the cornea.

Funding

Merck Sharp & Dohme International.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0205-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intraocular pressure decrease with preservative-free fixed and unfixed combination of tafluprost and timolol in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

We investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of preservative-free fixed and non-fixed combination of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG). A per protocol worse eye analysis was made on all XFG patients who participated in a recent 6 month, prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel group, multicenter phase III study. The mean time-wise IOP decreased by 8.62 to 10.25 mmHg (31.8 to 36.7%) in the fixed dose combination arm (15 patients) and by 5.38 to 11.35 mmHg (21.3 to 41.2%) in the non-fixed combination arm (13 patients), respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The results show that a preservative-free fixed dose combination of tafluprost and timolol provides a clinically significant IOP reduction in XFG, and may offer an advantage for the XFG patients with dry eye, due to its preservative-free nature.

A 6-month study comparing efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% versus each of its individual preservative-free components

Introduction

The efficacy, safety and tolerability of the preservative-free (PF) fixed combination (FC) of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% (once daily) were compared to those of the individual components (PF tafluprost 0.0015% once daily and PF timolol 0.5% twice daily) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension inadequately controlled on prior timolol or prostaglandin monotherapy for 6 months.

Methods

A stratified, double-masked, randomized, multicenter phase III study was conducted. A total of 189 prior timolol users were randomized within the timolol stratum (TS) to receive either FC (n = 95) or timolol 0.5% (TIM; n = 94). Furthermore, a total of 375 prior prostaglandin analog (PGA) users were randomized within the prostaglandin stratum (PS) to receive either FC (n = 188) or tafluprost 0.0015% (TAF; n = 187). To be eligible for participation in the study, the patients were required to have an intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥22 mmHg when on timolol (TIM) or of ≥20 mmHg when on PGA in either treated eye at the screening and end-of-run-in visits. In addition to these, the study included visits at baseline, 2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and at a post-study visit. IOP was measured at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Results

In the TS, a significant reduction from baseline IOP was seen with FC and TIM throughout the study. Average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was −8.55 mmHg (32%) for FC and −7.35 mmHg (28%) for TIM. The model-based treatment difference (FC–TIM) was −0.885 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.745 to −0.024; p = 0.044] demonstrating the superiority of FC over TIM. In the PS, a significant reduction in IOP was seen with both FC and TAF throughout the study. The average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was −8.61 mmHg (33%) for FC and −7.23 mmHg (28%) for TAF. The model-based treatment difference (FC–TAF) was −1.516 mmHg (95% CI −2.044 to −0.988; p < 0.001) demonstrating the superiority of FC over TAF. In the TS, related ocular adverse events (AEs) were more frequent for patients treated with FC compared to TIM (16.8% versus 6.4%), whereas related non-ocular AEs were more frequent with TIM compared to FC (2.1% versus 0.0%). In the PS, AEs were similarly distributed between FC and TAF. The frequency of conjunctival hyperemia of FC was low (6.4%).

Conclusion

The preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost and timolol provided a substantial and significant IOP reduction in both strata. The IOP reduction was superior to both tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% when given as monotherapies. Overall, the study treatments were safe and well tolerated.

Funding

Santen Oy, Tampere, Finland.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-014-0163-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The circadian changes of intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure after tafluprost compared with travoprost in normal tension glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the 24-h changes of intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) obtained with tafluprost versus travoprost in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

METHODS

This study is a randomized crossover study of 50 patients newly diagnosed with NTG who received either tafluprost or travoprost given once at 9 PM for 2 months, after which they were crossed over to the other medication for another 2 months. IOP and blood pressure were measured for 24 h before starting the treatment and after finishing the first and second treatment periods.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients completed the study. The mean (±standard deviation) 24-h IOP was 16.8±2.0 mmHg at baseline, 14.4±2.2 mmHg on tafluprost, and 13.6±1.8 mmHg on travoprost. Both prostaglandin monotherapies significantly reduced mean 24-h IOP as compared with baseline (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively), and travoprost demonstrated a lower mean 24-h IOP than tafluprost (P=0.044). Both treatments significantly reduced the IOP from baseline at every point over 24 h. At 3 individual time points, travoprost provided a lower IOP than tafluprost: at 4 PM (13.8±2.7 vs. 14.8±2.6 mmHg, P=0.041), at 6 PM (13.5±2.5 vs. 14.4±2.5 mmHg, P=0.006), and at 8 PM (13.3±2.5 vs. 14.5±2.4 mmHg, P=0.029). Both tafluprost and travoprost significantly increased the 24-h MOPP (P=0.008, P=0.002, respectively), and travoprost demonstrated a greater 24-h MOPP than tafluprost (P=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Both tafluprost and travoprost were effective in lowering IOP and increasing MOPP throughout 24 h in NTG. However, travoprost reduced IOP greater than tafluprost in the late afternoon and evening.

24-hour efficacy of travoprost/timolol BAK-free versus latanoprost/timolol fixed combinations in patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost

INTRODUCTION

To compare the 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) control and tolerability of travoprost/timolol benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-free (TTFC) vs. latanoprost/timolol fixed combination preserved with BAK (LTFC) in open-angle glaucoma patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy given once in the evening.

METHODS

The authors have conducted a prospective, observer-masked, active-controlled, cross-over, comparison study. Qualified open-angle glaucoma patients who demonstrated a latanoprost-treated morning IOP (10:00 ± 1 h) greater than 20 mmHg on two separate visits were randomized for 3 months to receive either TTFC or LTFC. Patients were then crossed over to the opposite treatment for another 3 months. At the end of the latanoprost run-in and after each 3-month therapy period patients underwent 24-h IOP monitoring in the habitual position using Goldmann applanation tonometry in the sitting position during the day (10:00, 14:00, 18:00 and 22:00) and Perkins tonometry in the supine position at night (02:00 and 06:00). Selected ocular surface parameters were evaluated after each therapy period.

RESULTS

Forty-two open-angle glaucoma patients completed the study. The mean 24-h baseline IOP on latanoprost was 21.5 ± 1.6 mmHg. Both fixed combinations significantly reduced the IOP at each time point, for the mean, peak and fluctuation of 24-h IOP compared with latanoprost monotherapy (P < 0.01). When the two fixed combinations were compared directly, TTFC provided significantly lower mean 24-h IOP (18.9 ± 2.2 mmHg) vs. LTFC (19.3 ± 2.3 mmHg) (P = 0.004) and significantly lower IOP at 18:00 (18.6 ± 2.5 vs. 19.5 ± 2.7 mmHg for LTFC) (P < 0.001). Further, TTFC demonstrated significantly better tear film break-up time (5.15 vs. 4.65 s), corneal stain (1.5 vs. 1.8) and Schirmer I test (9.9 vs. 9.2 mm) compared with LTFC after 3 months of therapy (P < 0.01 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

The mean 24-h IOP lowering of TTFC was statistically more significant compared to LTFC in patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost monotherapy. Measurement of ocular surface health and tear film status favored the BAK-free TTFC compared to LTFC.