Overview of the BAK-free travoprost/timolol BAK-free fixed combination

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally, representing a significant public health concern. More than 60 million people are affected by glaucoma worldwide; as this population ages, the number is expected to increase. Glaucoma is a collection of heterogeneous diseases sharing common clinical characteristics. The goal of treatment is to prevent significant visual dysfunction through reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP).

Areas covered: This is a review of the current literature about combination therapeutic regimens for the reduction of IOP, focusing on the risk : benefit profile of a fixed-combination therapy using travoprost and timolol.

Expert opinion: Since the debut of prostaglandin analogues in the 1990s, only modest innovation has occurred in glaucoma pharmacology. A growing body of research has established that the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) might not be the benign contributor expected of excipient ingredients. Thus, BAK-free treatments were developed, with the goal of IOP reduction without furthering ocular surface disease symptoms. The BAK-free travoprost/timolol combination represents an important addition to glaucoma medication options and may fill an unmet need in this therapeutic arena.

Keywords::

• benzalkonium chloride
• fixed-combination therapy
• glaucoma
• timolol
• travaprost

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Erratum

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