Latanoprost, a balanced prostaglandin

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and represents a significant global health and economic concern. Prostaglandin analogs such as latanoprost – which act to reduce intraocular pressure by enhancing uveoscleral flow and slow the development and progression of glaucoma – are recommended as a first-line monotherapy.

Areas covered: We review recent efficacy and safety data for latanoprost, both alone and in combination therapy, and vs. other prostaglandin analogs, focusing on the tolerability and adherence to the drug and the subsequent impact on patient-perceived quality of life. Relevant studies were identified by an electronic literature search using MEDLINE PubMed, and current global glaucoma guidelines were reviewed.

Expert commentary: Prostaglandin analogs represent the cornerstone in glaucoma therapy. Individual studies demonstrate differences in efficacy between prostaglandin analogs, but within-class differences are generally small – and, on balance, latanoprost presents a good efficacy-safety profile. Low adverse event rates result in greater persistence and improved quality of life for patients. Further, a latanoprost/β-blocker combination represents an efficacious therapeutic alternative where monotherapy does not sufficiently reduce intraocular pressure. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to provide further information regarding fixed-dose combination vs. unfixed combination treatment regimens.

KEYWORDS:

• Glaucoma
• latanoprost
• latanoprost‒timolol
• prostaglandin F_2α

Declaration of interest

J. M. Martinez de la Casa has received grants/research support from Santen and Ivantis, honoraria/consultation fees from Pfizer, Allergan and Santen, and other reimbursement/financial compensation from Glaukos. J Wierzbowska has received grants/research support from Thea, honoraria/consultation fees from Santen and Thea, and other reimbursement/financial compensation from Thea. Shaantanu Donde is an employee of Pfizer Inc. Editorial support, provided by Katy Beck, PhD, of Engage Scientific Solutions was utilized in the production of this manuscript and was funded by Pfizer. 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

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by Pfizer.