Topical Bimatoprost Ocular Insert Reduces IOP
TUESDAY, May 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Use of a topical bimatoprost ocular insert is associated with a clinically relevant reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) over six months, according to a study published online May 5 in Ophthalmology.
James D. Brandt, M.D., from the University of California in Davis, and colleagues conducted a trial involving 130 adult open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients. Participants were randomized to receive a bimatoprost insert plus artificial tears twice daily or a placebo insert plus timolol eye drops twice daily for six months. Diurnal IOP measurements were obtained at baseline (zero, two, and eight hours); two, six, and 12 weeks; and four, five, and six months.
The researchers found that the mean reduction in IOP over six months was from −3.2 to −6.4 mm Hg in the bimatoprost group and from −4.2 to −6.4 mm Hg for the timolol group. At two of nine time points, the study met the noninferiority definition, but was underpowered for the observed treatment effect. Adverse effects were consistent with exposure to bimatoprost or timolol; there were no unexpected ocular adverse effects. At six months, the primary retention rate of the insert was 88.5 percent of patients.
"The topically applied bimatoprost insert may provide an alternative to daily eye drops to improve adherence, consistency of delivery, and reduction of elevated IOP," the authors write.
Several authors were employees of and/or disclosed financial ties to ForSight VISION5, the manufacturer of the bimatoprost insert.
