Netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution (0.02%/0.005%) is indicated for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHTN). The once-daily agent combines the mechanism of action for each of the individual components and provides a new avenue for long-term intraocular pressure control. This review aims to cover the agent’s current efficacy and safety data and opine as to its role in glaucoma management.

Areas covered: This article will cover Phase II-III clinical efficacy and safety data as well as basic science literature pertaining to the agent’s mechanism of action and pharmacodynamics. In selecting articles for inclusion in this review, a literature search using the PubMed database was carried out. Cross-referencing was carried out where applicable. We did not use any date or language restrictions in electronic searches.

Expert opinion: Netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution plays a pivotal role in management of individuals with OAG and OHTN. The agent may be used as first-line therapy to provide substantial IOP-lowering or when additional lowering is indicated and prostaglandins have provided insufficient IOP lowering. The once-daily dosing regimen decreases the risk of inadequate treatment due to nonadherence.

KEYWORDS:

• Glaucoma treatment
• latanoprost
• netarsudil
• rho-kinase inhibitor
• trabecular meshwork

Article highlights

• Netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution is indicated for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

• The combination therapy is dosed once daily.

• The combination agent enhances aqueous outflow via the conventional trabecular (netarsudil) and uveoscleral (latanoprost) routes. In addition, the netarsudil component decreases episcleral venous pressure.

• The agent’s efficacy is superior to each of the individual components as monotherapies.

• -Safety issues related to the drug include conjunctival hyperemia, cornea verticillata, and conjunctival hemorrhage.

• The agent allows for substantial IOP-lowering with a once-daily dosing regimen that minimizes long-term adherence challenges.

Declaration of interest

AA Aref received speaker honoraria from Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

A reviewer on this manuscript has disclosed that they are a consultant of Novartis, Santen. And they are a PI of the European MERCURY study. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no other relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.