Travoprost with sofZia® preservative system lowered intraocular pressure of Japanese normal tension glaucoma with minimal side effects

Ocular surface disease: a known yet overlooked side effect of topical glaucoma therapy

Ocular surface disease (OSD), a disorder affecting the lacrimal and meibomian glands and the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, is a well-known complication of topical glaucoma therapy. OSD can present as a new or pre-existing condition that virtually any anti-glaucoma formulation can exacerbate. As such, both glaucoma and OSD frequently coexist. Typical OSD symptoms include ocular discomfort, redness, burning, and dryness, whereas signs include periorbital and eyelid skin pigmentation, conjunctival scarring, and superficial punctate keratitis. Pressure-lowering eyedrops can cause toxic, allergic, and inflammatory reactions on the ocular surface. The latter can result from either preservatives or direct toxicity from the active molecule. Although usually mild, OSD can cause significant symptoms that lead to poor quality of life, decreased compliance to therapy, glaucoma progression, and worse visual outcomes. Given the chronic nature of glaucoma, lack of curative therapy, and subsequent lifelong treatment, addressing OSD is necessary. This manuscript aims to provide an up-to-date overview of OSD's signs, symptoms, and pathogenic mechanisms from glaucoma therapy toxicity.

Association of Topical Prostaglandin Analogue Use With Risk of Spontaneous Abortion

Importance

Recent case reports suggest use of topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) might increase the risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant people who take these drugs for intraocular pressure control. However, because these reports are derived mainly from voluntary adverse drug reaction databases, they might be prone to reporting bias.

Objective

To examine the risk of spontaneous abortions among pregnant people who take topical PGAs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The PharMetrics Plus database (IQVIA) for health claims in the United States from 2006 to 2020 was used as the data source. The percentage of spontaneous abortions was quantified among patients aged 15 to 45 years who were pregnant and took a topical PGA medication during this period compared with a random sample of people in the database not taking a PGA agent.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Diagnosis of a spontaneous abortion was ascertained through procedure codes or codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision.

Results

A total of 3881 people of reproductive age who were prescribed PGAs and 3881 control participants not taking PGAs were identified. Among the 3881 patients in the PGA cohort, 261 were pregnant and 26 had a spontaneous abortion code. Among the 26 individuals, 12 (4.6%) had a spontaneous abortion code within 90 days of the pregnancy code and had an overlapping prescription for a PGA. Among the 12 individuals, 5 (41.7%) were in the age category 40 to 45 years. In the control group, there were 801 pregnancies, 56 of which led to spontaneous abortions (7%), resulting in an increased risk of 2.4% (95% CI, -0.7% to 5.4%; P = .17).

Conclusion and Relevance

The results of this case-series study suggest no association between use of PGAs and risk of spontaneous abortions. Given the nature of this study design and potential for unmeasured confounding factors, these results could be explored further in future epidemiologic studies that can better control for potential confounding variables and more accurately ascertain spontaneous abortions through perinatal databases.

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.

Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Omidenepag Isopropyl in Patients with Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the short-term efficacy of omidenepag isopropyl (EYBELIS 0.002%) by assessing its intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering capability and safety in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Patients and Methods

Fifty-four NTG patients (54 eyes) who were newly administrated with omidenepag isopropyl were enrolled in the study. The subjects comprised 22 men and 32 women, and the mean age of the subjects was 55.0 ± 14.1 years. The mean deviation value using the Humphrey visual field test program (30–2 SITA Standard) was −5.03 ± 3.38 dB. The following data were retrieved from the medical records and used for retrospective analyses: IOP at baseline 1–2 months and 3–4 months after administration. The frequency of non-responder patients who had less than 10% IOP reduction was evaluated. Patients were observed for adverse reactions and dropouts at each time point.

Results

IOP at baseline, after 1–2 months and after 3–4 months was 15.7 ± 2.6 mmHg, 13.5 ± 2.3 mmHg, and 13.6 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. There was a significant decrease in IOP after administration (p<0.0001). Eleven patients (22.4%) were non-responders. Adverse reactions occurred in 4 patients (7.4%), including conjunctival hyperemia in 3 patients (after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month, respectively) and eye pain in 1 patient (after 1 month). Five patients (9.3%) dropped out of the study because of an adverse reaction in 3 patients, insufficient IOP reduction in 1 patient, and discontinuation of follow-up of 1 patient at our institution.

Conclusion

After administration of omidenepag isopropyl, IOP in patients with NTG was significantly decreased. However, adverse reactions occurred in 7.4% of patients.

Ocular hypotensive effects of prostaglandin analogs in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma: a literature review

PURPOSE

This paper aimed to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) by reviewing the current literature.

METHODS

In February 2018, database searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, and the Japanese databases JAPICDOC and JMEDPlus. Studies were sorted into two categories: Category 1 consisted of studies of patients with NTG who reported reduced IOP values and Category 2 consisted of studies of patients with NTG who had IOP values at predosing and a final evaluation point. Search terms included ([unoprostone or latanoprost or travoprost or bimatoprost or tafluprost] and [glaucoma] and [Japan or Japanese]). The weighted ocular hypotensive efficacy was calculated. A scatter plot analysis was performed and a regression equation was calculated for each medication. The fitting of each regression equation was evaluated by the least squares method.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were eligible for Category 1 and 25 articles for Category 2. In the rank order of IOP-lowering efficacy of PGAs, bimatoprost was the strongest and latanoprost the weakest. Travoprost and tafluprost had almost the same level of ocular hypotensive effect, and both were stronger than latanoprost. The scatter plot analysis showed that all PGAs reduced IOP by 15%-20%. At higher IOP (17-18 mmHg), the ocular hypotensive effect was almost the same with latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost. In contrast, at lower IOP (12-15 mmHg), the IOP reduction with latanoprost was weaker than with travoprost or tafluprost.

CONCLUSION

This literature review of the ocular hypotensive effects of PGAs in Japanese patients with NTG highlighted that PGAs had different ocular hypotensive effects. Ophthalmologists should understand the IOP-lowering profiles of various PGAs and apply them to patients with NTG on a case-by-case basis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000032344.

Effect of Travoprost and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug on Diurnal Intraocular Pressure in Normal Subjects with Low-Teen Baseline Intraocular Pressure

PURPOSE

The main purpose was to determine whether a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ophthalmic solution would affect the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of a benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-free prostaglandin analog, travoprost. The secondary purpose was to confirm the IOP-lowering effect of BAK-free travoprost on the diurnal IOP.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 1-month trial. After baseline diurnal IOP was confirmed, travoprost was administered once daily to both eyes. Bromfenac sodium hydrate was then randomly assigned to one eye, while flavin adenine dinucleotide sodium was applied to the other eye as a control. Both solutions were administered twice daily. IOP was measured three times daily (8:00, 14:00, and 20:00). The IOP of both groups was compared using Student's t-test. The effect of NSAID on IOP was investigated by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight normal Japanese subjects (mean age, 36.6 years) completed the study. After the start of travoprost, remarkable IOP lowering was gained and it settled to 10-11 mmHg. The diurnal IOPs of the NSAID group showed similar tendencies to that of the control group (P = 0.69-1.0). In a 1-month period, the range of IOP reductions compared with the baseline IOP of both groups showed no significant difference (P = 0.76-0.92). NSAID did not have an influence on IOP (F-value = 0.0036, P = 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Although BAK-free travoprost showed a powerful IOP-lowering effect in diurnal and 1-month readings, even in eyes with an IOP of <13 mmHg, the NSAID ophthalmic solution did not affect its IOP-lowering effect.

Sustainability of Intraocular Pressure Reduction of Travoprost Ophthalmic Solution in Subjects with Normal Tension Glaucoma

Introduction

We examined the sustainability of the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of travoprost (0.004%) ophthalmic solution in subjects with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

Travoprost ophthalmic solution was given once daily at 9 PM to subjects with newly diagnosed NTG or with NTG who had not received any ocular hypotensives within the previous 30 days. IOP was measured at three time points (9 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM) at baseline and week 12 visits, and at one time point (9 AM) at week 4 and week 8 visits. Conjunctival hyperemia, superficial punctate keratopathy, and other adverse events were evaluated during the observation period.

Results

Thirty subjects (12 males and 18 females; mean age 65.6 years) from 32 subjects enrolled were included in the efficacy analysis. The mean IOPs (±standard deviation) of 16.6 ± 1.4, 15.7 ± 1.8, and 15.7 ± 2.2 mmHg at 9 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM, respectively, at baseline reduced significantly to the mean IOPs of 13.0 ± 1.8, 12.7 ± 1.8, and 12.8 ± 1.6 mmHg, respectively, at week 12 (P < 0.0001 for every time point). Together with the mean IOPs of 13.4 ± 1.9 mmHg at week 4 and 13.2 ± 1.9 mmHg at week 8, the pooled IOP during the observation period for up to 12 weeks showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction of IOP at 9 AM. (3.4 mmHg or 20.3% reduction from baseline, P < 0.0001). There were no adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion

This multi-center collaborative study suggests that IOP-lowering efficacy of travoprost ophthalmic solution persists during the day at the clinically relevant level in subjects with NTG.

Funding

Alcon Japan Ltd.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network, UMIN ID: 000011621.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0297-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nonresponders to Prostaglandin Analogs Among Normal-Tension Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE

To investigate patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) did not decrease after treatment using a prostaglandin analog (nonresponders).

METHODS

This was an open-label, retrospective, case series study from a single institution. We retrospectively investigated the mean IOP reduction rates, and the proportions of nonresponders, among normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients (209 cases, 209 eyes) treated using 1 of 4 prostaglandin analogs: latanoprost (40 patients), travoprost (64 patients), tafluprost (52 patients), or bimatoprost (53 patients). Absolute IOP was compared with pretreatment values for all 4 groups at the first and second visits after commencement of prostaglandin analog monotherapy. The IOP reduction rate was compared between groups. The proportion of nonresponders, defined as patients with IOP reduction rate <10% at both visits, was calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The average IOP had significantly decreased from the pretreatment value at the first visit after treatment; the average IOP reduction rate ranged from 15.3% to 22.6%. The IOP reduction rate in the bimatoprost group was significantly higher than those in the travoprost and tafluprost groups (P < 0.001). We identified 6 nonresponders (15.0%) in the latanoprost group, 9 (14.1%) in the travoprost group, 4 (7.7%) in the tafluprost group, and none (0.0%) in the bimatoprost group; nonresponse rates were significantly lower in the bimatoprost group than in the other groups (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Among NTG patients treated using prostaglandin analogs, from 0% to 15% were classified as nonresponders, depending on the prostaglandin analog used. The proportion of nonresponders was significantly lower in the bimatoprost group.

Evaluation of the Effect of Latanoprostene Bunod Ophthalmic Solution, 0.024% in Lowering Intraocular Pressure over 24 h in Healthy Japanese Subjects

Introduction

Latanoprostene bunod is a novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin F2α receptor agonist in clinical development for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. We evaluated the effect of latanoprostene bunod 0.024% instilled once daily (QD) on lowering IOP over a 24-h period in healthy Japanese subjects following 14 days of treatment.

Methods

This was a single-arm, single-center, open-label clinical study of 24 healthy Japanese male volunteers. A baseline IOP profile was established in both eyes in the sitting position at 8 PM, 10 PM, 12 AM, 2 AM, 4 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, and 4 PM using a Goldmann applanation tonometer. Subjects subsequently instilled latanoprostene bunod 0.024% QD at 8 PM for 14 days in both eyes. The absolute and change from baseline in sitting IOP was assessed on day 14.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the subjects was 26.8 (6.3) years, and mean (SD) baseline IOP was 13.6 (1.3) mmHg in the study eye. Latanoprostene bunod 0.024% instilled QD for 14 days reduced IOP at all the evaluated time points (P < 0.001) with a mean (SD) 24-h reduction of 3.6 (0.8) mmHg or 27% from the baseline in the study eye. Peak and trough IOP lowering occurred at 8 AM and 8 PM (12 and 24 h following instillation) with a mean reduction of 4.2 (1.8) mmHg, or 30%, and 2.8 (2.2) mmHg, or 20%, respectively. Punctate keratitis and ocular hyperemia, both mild in severity, were the most common adverse events.

Conclusion

Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution 0.024%, dosed QD for 14 days, significantly lowered mean IOP in healthy Japanese subjects during the entire 24-h period. Studies of latanoprostene bunod in patients diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma are warranted.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01895985.

Funding

Bausch & Lomb, Inc.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0260-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fixed Combination of Travoprost and Timolol Maleate Reduces Intraocular Pressure in Japanese Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: A Prospective Multicenter Open-Label Study

Introduction

The efficacy of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and safety of switching to travoprost/timolol fixed combination ophthalmic solution (Duotrav^®, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma or ocular hypertension undergoing prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy was investigated.

Methods

Patients treated with travoprost, latanoprost, tafluprost, or bimatoprost for ≥3 months and requiring additional medication were switched to Duotrav without washout. Baseline IOP was calculated from measurements at two visits during PGA monotherapy. IOP reductions at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after switching to Duotrav and adverse events were assessed.

Results

Of 162 patients enrolled, 157 patients (96.9%) with ≥4 weeks of follow-up after switching to Duotrav were analyzed. The mean IOP decreased significantly (baseline = 16.3 ± 3.1 mmHg; 4 weeks = 14.6 ± 3.1 mmHg, 8 weeks = 14.7 ± 3.3 mmHg, 12 weeks = 14.6 ± 3.2 mmHg; all P < 0.0001). When study eyes were divided into three groups according to baseline IOP (≥19 mmHg: 33 eyes, 21.0%; ≥15 to <19 mmHg: 78 eyes, 49.7%; <15 mmHg: 46 eyes, 29.3%), all groups showed significant IOP reductions (P = 0.0324 ~ P < 0.0001) after switching to Duotrav. Twenty-seven of 166 patients (16.3%) in the safety analysis experienced adverse events and 26/166 patients (15.7%) experienced adverse events, for which a relationship to Duotrav could not be ruled out. Adverse events in five patients led to treatment discontinuation (eye pruritus; eye irritation; increased blood pressure and rash; increased blurred vision; deepening of the eyelid sulcus and blepharoptosis). Twelve weeks after treatment switching, eyelash changes, blepharal pigmentation and deepening of the eyelid sulcus occurred in 42 (26.8%), 29 (18.5%), and 13 (8.3%) cases, respectively, among 157 patients with follow-up. There was no significant worsening from baseline for superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) or conjunctival hyperemia after switching (SPK score: baseline = 0.58 ± 1.31; 12 weeks = 0.92 ± 1.76, P = 0.1819; conjunctival hyperemia score: baseline = 0.41 ± 0.64; 12 weeks = 0.49 ± 0.63, P = 0.3774).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that switching to Duotrav^® in PGA monotherapy patients shows IOP-lowering effect with minimal safety concerns.

Funding

Japan Association of Health Service and Alcon Japan. Ltd.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier, UMIN000007028.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0246-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Accidental overdose of travoprost

PURPOSE

To report systemic symptoms after an overdose of travoprost.

CASE REPORT

We report a patient who, instead of artificial tears, inadvertently used travoprost every 15 minutes for 7 hours after LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. She experienced abrupt, severe abdominal cramps and sudden, severe menstrual bleeding, which subsided quickly upon discontinuation of the drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the few systemic adverse effects, prostaglandin analogs are widely used for the treatment of glaucoma. Travoprost should be taken once daily; therefore, overdose is extremely uncommon. Systemic prostaglandins have been found to be mediators of uterine activity and are used to induce labor and terminate pregnancies. The high dose of this topical medication, as well as the compromised cornea, makes this case unique. The unusual circumstances observed in this case greatly expand our knowledge regarding the potential adverse effects of travoprost.