Ocular hypotensive efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% and travoprost 0.004% in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension

From Eye Care to Hair Growth: Bimatoprost

BACKGROUND

Bimatoprost has emerged as a significant medication in the field of medicine over the past several decades, with diverse applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and beyond. Originally developed as an ocular hypotensive agent, it has proven highly effective in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its ability to reduce intraocular pressure has established it as a first-line treatment option, improving management and preventing vision loss. In dermatology, bimatoprost has shown promising results in the promotion of hair growth, particularly in the treatment of alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action, stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, has led to the development of bimatoprost-containing solutions for enhancing eyelash growth.

AIM

The aim of our review is to provide a brief description, overview, and studies in the current literature regarding the versatile clinical use of bimatoprost in recent years. This can help clinicians determine the most suitable individualized therapy to meet the needs of each patient.

METHODS

Our methods involve a comprehensive review of the latest advancements reported in the literature in bimatoprost formulations, which range from traditional eye drops to sustained-release implants. These innovations offer extended drug delivery, enhance patient compliance, and minimize side effects.

RESULTS

The vast literature published on PubMed has confirmed the clinical usefulness of bimatoprost in lowering intraocular pressure and in managing patients with glaucoma. Numerous studies have shown promising results in dermatology and esthetics in promoting hair growth, particularly in treating alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, leading to the development of solutions that enhance eyelash growth. The global use of bimatoprost has expanded significantly, with applications growing beyond its initial indications. Ongoing research is exploring its potential in glaucoma surgery, neuroprotection, and cosmetic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Bimatoprost has shown immense potential for addressing a wide range of therapeutic needs through various formulations and advancements. Promising future perspectives include the exploration of novel delivery systems such as contact lenses and microneedles to further enhance drug efficacy and patient comfort. Ongoing research and future perspectives continue to shape its role in medicine, promising further advancements and improved patient outcomes.

[Latanoprost in hypotensive therapy of glaucoma]

The review presents an analysis of therapeutic effectiveness, safety and pharmacokinetics of latanoprost - the reference representative of the prostaglandin group, summarizes the experience of its clinical use in glaucoma as monotherapy and in combination with antihypertensive drugs of other pharmacological groups, its possible effect on the inflammatory process in the anterior segment of the eye, as well as its probable participation in the development of macular edema. The article also gives a recount of relevant local and systemic adverse events.

Polyquaternium-1-Preserved Travoprost 0.003% or Benzalkonium Chloride-Preserved Travoprost 0.004% for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

PURPOSE

To demonstrate equivalence of polyquaternium-1-preserved travoprost 0.003% with benzalkonium chloride-preserved travoprost 0.004% in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

DESIGN

Double-masked, randomized, 2-treatment, equivalence clinical trial.

METHODS

setting: Multicenter clinical trial conducted in 60 centers in the United States and Europe.

PATIENT POPULATION

Adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. One eye per patient was analyzed.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive polyquaternium-1-preserved travoprost 0.003% (n = 442) or benzalkonium chloride-preserved travoprost 0.004% (n = 422) once daily for 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed at 8 AM, 10 AM, and 4 PM at week 2, week 6, and month 3. Supportive outcomes were mean and percent IOP change, percentage of patients achieving IOP <18 mm Hg or ≥30% IOP reduction, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Mean IOP was similar between groups at all study visits (travoprost 0.003% range, 17.5-18.9 mm Hg; travoprost 0.004% range, 17.4-19.0 mm Hg). Mean change (least squares mean differences, -0.1 to 0.3 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -0.5 to 0.7 mm Hg) and percentage change (travoprost 0.003%, 28.4%-30.7%; travoprost 0.004%, 28.5%-31.0%) from baseline were comparable. The percentages of patients with IOP <18 mm Hg and ≥30% reduction of IOP were also similar. Hyperemia was the most frequent treatment-related adverse event with both formulations (travoprost 0.003%, 11.8%; travoprost 0.004%, 14.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, polyquaternium-1-preserved travoprost 0.003% solution provided equivalent IOP-lowering efficacy to that of benzalkonium chloride-preserved travoprost 0.004%.

A review of the use of latanoprost for glaucoma since its launch

INTRODUCTION

Prostaglandins are increasingly used as first choice treatment for glaucoma because they are highly effective, lack relevant systemic side effects and require just once-daily administration. Latanoprost is an ester prodrug analog of prostaglandin F2α, which reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Latanoprost 0.005% has received European and US approval as the first-line drug for reducing IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Following the recent patent expiry for Xalatan®, a number of latanoprost generics have entered the glaucoma market.

AREAS COVERED

This review, achieved through PubMed and Medline research methods, describes the composition, pharmacokinetics, mode of action, efficacy, side effects and safety profile of latanoprost.

EXPERT OPINION

Latanoprost was the first prostaglandin analog introduced in glaucoma management and it dramatically changed the market of the disease thanks to its efficacy and safety. Conjunctival hyperemia, which is commonly found after latanoprost use, is associated with a minor efficacy and duration of trabeculectomy; yet, from the ophthalmologist's perspective, this side effect seems largely counterbalanced by the high efficacy and safety of this compound. It is always advisable to consider the pro-inflammatory mode of action of latanoprost because this may have negative effects in particular patients (i.e., those with uveitis and cystoid macular edema) for whom caution and close follow-up is necessary.

Demonstration of an online tool to assist managed care formulary evidence-based decision making: meta-analysis of topical prostaglandin analog efficacy

Background

The purpose of this paper was to demonstrate the use of an online service for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Methods

An online service provider (Doctor Evidence) reviewed and extracted data from the peer-reviewed literature through September 2009. Randomized controlled studies of at least three months’ duration assessing at least two prostaglandin analogs in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or normal-tension glaucoma were included. The primary endpoint was mean IOP. Summary estimates were created using random-effects models. The Q Chi-square test was used to assess statistical heterogeneity.

Results

Sixteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. On average, greater IOP-lowering was seen with bimatoprost relative to latanoprost (1 mmHg, P = 0.025) and travoprost (0.8 mmHg, P = 0.033) based on mean IOP after 12–26 weeks of treatment. No statistical difference was observed in IOP-lowering between latanoprost and travoprost (P = 0.841). Findings were similar to previously published meta-analyses of topical prostaglandin analogs.

Conclusion

Systematic reviews relying on meta-analytic techniques to create summary statistics are considered to be the “gold standard” for synthesizing evidence to support clinical decision-making. However, the process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and outside the capability of most formulary managers. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of a commercial service that facilitates the process of conducting such reviews.

Efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% in reducing intraocular pressure in patients with 360° synechial angle-closure glaucoma: a preliminary study

Context:

Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS; synechiae anterior to functional trabecular meshwork) formation in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) hampers access to uveoscleral outflow. Thus, the role of bimatoprost in such patients with 360° synechiae was evaluated.

Aims:

To assess efficacy and safety profile of bimatoprost 0.03% in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in 360° synechial angle-closure glaucoma patients.

Settings and Design:

This was a prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative, selective analysis, single-center pilot study.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 23 eyes of 20 Indian chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) patients with IOP greater than 21 mmHg, 360° PAS and no visual potential in the study eye underwent detailed eye examination. Baseline IOP was measured and YAG peripheral iridotomy was performed for complete angle-closure reconfirmation. Bimatoprost 0.03% was administered for 8 weeks as once-daily evening dose. IOP reduction within treatment group was determined with “paired t-test”.

Results:

The mean reduction in IOP from baseline to 8 weeks of bimatoprost therapy was 15.3 ± 9.5 mmHg (P < 0.001). The most commonly observed adverse event was conjunctival hyperemia (35%). Bimatoprost was well tolerated in the study.

Conclusions:

In this study, exclusively involving patients with 360° synechial angle-closure glaucoma and no visual potential, bimatoprost 0.03% treatment demonstrated a statistically significant IOP reduction. Hence, it can be inferred that bimatoprost 0.03% is an efficacious treatment modality in this subgroup of patients for reducing IOP.

Clinical utility and differential effects of prostaglandin analogs in the management of raised intraocular pressure and ocular hypertension

Prostaglandin analogs (PGA) are powerful topical ocular hypotensive agents available for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Latanoprost 0.005% and travoprost 0.004% are prodrugs and analogs of prostaglandin F2α. Bimatoprost 0.03% is regarded as a prostamide, and debate continues as to whether it is a prodrug. The free acids of all 3 PGAs reduce IOP by enhancing uveoscleral and trabecular outflow via direct effects on ciliary muscle relaxation and remodeling of extracellular matrix. The vast majority of clinical trials demonstrate IOP-lowering superiority of latanoprost, bimatoprost and travoprost compared with timolol 0.5%, brimonidine 0.2%, or dorzolamide 2% monotherapy. Bimatoprost appears to be more efficacious in IOP-lowering compared with latanoprost, with weighted mean difference in IOP reduction documented in one meta-analysis of 2.59% to 5.60% from 1- to 6-months study duration. PGAs reduce IOP further when used as adjunctive therapy. Fixed combinations of latanoprost, bimatoprost or travoprost formulated with timolol 0.5% and administered once daily are superior to monotherapy of its constituent parts. PGA have near absence of systemic side effects, although do have other commonly encountered ocular adverse effects. The adverse effects of PGA, and also those found more frequently with bimatoprost use include ocular hyperemia, eyelash growth, and peri-ocular pigmentary changes. Iris pigmentary change is unique to PGA treatment. Once daily administration and near absence of systemic side effects enhances tolerance and compliance. PGAs are often prescribed as first-line treatment for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma.

Efficacy and safety of prostaglandin analogues in patients with predominantly primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a meta-analysis

Background

First-line therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension generally involves prostaglandin analogue therapy. The relative efficacy of differing prostaglandin therapy is disputed.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted of head-to-head randomized trials of prostaglandin therapies. We included randomized trials assessing head-to-head evaluations of prostaglandin analogues travoprost, latanoprost and bimatoprost in patients with predominantly primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Findings were interpreted in light of equivalence margins.

Results

Our search identified 16 eligible trials, of which 15 were included in the meta-analysis. Trials were, in general, poorly reported. We pooled 9 trials assessing IOP-lowering effects of travoprost vs latanoprost (total n = 1098, weighted mean difference [WMD], −0.24 mmHg, 95% CI, −0.87 to 0.38, P = 0.45, I2 = 56%, 95% CI, 0 to 0.77, heterogeneity P = 0.01). Eight trials assessed travoprost vs bimatoprost (total n = 714, WMD, 0.88 mmHg, 95% CI, 0.13 to 1.63, P = 0.02, I2 = 56%, 95% CI, 0% to 78%, heterogeneity P = 0.02). And 8 trials assessed latanoprost vs bimatoprost (total n = 943, WMD, 0.73 mmHg, 95% CI, 0.10 to 1.37, P = 0.02, I2 = 47%, 95% CI, 0% to 74%, heterogeneity P = 0.06). Travoprost was associated with greater incidence of conjunctival hyperemia than latanoprost (RR 5.71, 95% CI, 1.81 to 18.02, P ≤ 0.001, I2 = 97%, 95% CI, 95 to 98, P ≤ 0.001). Five trials assessing latanoprost and bimatoprost revealed an elevated risk of conjunctival hyperemia with bimatoprost (RR 1.59, 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.48, P = 0.04, I2 = 76%, 95% CI, 16 to 88, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Randomized head-to-head evaluations of prostaglandin therapy demonstrate similar efficacy effects, but differing hyperemia effects.

A 12-week Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Bimatoprost 0.03% in Patients with Pseudoexfoliative and Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate the control of diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) and the safety profile of bimatoprost in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) compared to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

A prospective, observer-masked, nonrandomized study was performed. Seventy consecutive patients with either POAG (35 eyes) or PXG (35 eyes) drug-naive for glaucoma were assigned to receive bimatoprost 0.03% once daily for 12 weeks. Diurnal IOP was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks at three time points (8 AM, noon, and 4 PM). Main outcomes were diurnal IOP control and achievement of target IOP (CIGTS criteria). Mean diurnal IOP, hour-by-hour IOP measurements, and safety, including serious adverse events, were also evaluated.

Results

A significant IOP reduction from baseline was found in both groups (p<0.001). Mean and hour-by-hour IOP differences between groups were not statistically significant (NS). The observed IOP values and percentages of IOP reduction were 17.0 mmHg (31.5%) and 16.4 mmHg (31.9%) in PXG and POAG eyes, respectively; the differences were not statistically significant. Six eyes (1 POAG and 5 PXG, respectively) responded with a <20% IOP reduction (NS). Twenty-seven POAG (77.1%) and 23 PXG (65.7%) eyes achieved target IOP. Consequently, 20 eyes (8 POAG and 12 PXG, respectively) were classified as unable to achieve the IOP target values (NS).

Conclusions

Bimatoprost was effective and safe in lowering IOP both in open angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, achieving target pressure in most patients. However, long-term efficacy in PXG must be evaluated.

Efficacy and tolerability of prostaglandin analogs: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

AIM

This systematic meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects and tolerability of latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost.

METHODS

Clinical trials published up to July 2006 were thoroughly searched using all available databases and resources. The inclusion criteria were prospective randomized controlled clinical trials; patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension; and prostaglandin monotherapy, without systemic/ocular medications or laser/surgery that could affect IOP within the past 3 months. Study quality was assessed with the Jadad scoring system, and potential bias was eliminated by robust statistical and independent reviews of publications. The main outcome measures were efficacy assessed by IOP (taken at 8 AM, noon, 4 PM, and 8 PM) change at 3 months from baseline and tolerability assessed by the incidence of conjunctival hyperemia.

RESULTS

Eight trials were identified (n=1610 patients). IOP change from baseline was statistically significantly greatest with bimatoprost, compared with latanoprost at all time points [weighted mean (WM) 8 AM: WM=0.50 mm Hg; P=0.05; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.01-0.99; noon: WM=1.17 mm Hg; P<0.001; 95% CI 0.68-1.66; 4 PM: WM=0.78 mm Hg; P=0.003; 95% CI 0.26-1.29; 8 PM: WM=0.67 mm Hg; P=0.04; 95% CI 0.02-1.32], and with travoprost during the daytime (8 AM: WM=1.02 mm Hg; P=0.004; 95% CI 0.32-1.72; noon: WM=0.86 mm Hg; P=0.02; 95% CI 0.12-1.59). Latanoprost and travoprost were comparable in their ability to reduce IOP at all time points (P<or=0.82). The incidence of hyperemia was less with latanoprost and travoprost [latanoprost vs. bimatoprost: relative risk=0.59; P<0.001; 95% CI 0.50-0.69; travoprost vs. bimatoprost: relative risk=0.84; P=0.05; 95% CI 0.70-1.00].

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a greater efficacy of bimatoprost compared with latanoprost and travoprost, although the incidence of hyperemia was lower with the latter 2 agents.

Discrepancy between results and abstract conclusions in industry- vs nonindustry-funded studies comparing topical prostaglandins

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between industry- vs nonindustry-funded publications comparing the efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs by evaluating the correspondence between the statistical significance of the publication's main outcome measure and its abstract conclusions.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational cohort study.

METHODS

English publications comparing the ocular hypotensive efficacy between any or all of latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost were searched from the MEDLINE database. Each article was reviewed by three independent observers and was evaluated for source of funding, study quality, statistically significant main outcome measure, correspondence between results of main outcome measure and abstract conclusion, number of intraocular pressure outcomes compared, and journal impact factor. Funding was determined by published disclosure or, in cases of no documented disclosure, the corresponding author was contacted directly to confirm industry funding. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The main outcome measure was correspondence between abstract conclusion and reported statistical significance of the publications' main outcome measure.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine publications were included, of which 29 were industry funded and 10 were nonindustry funded. The published abstract conclusion was not consistent with the results of the main outcome measure in 18 (62%) of 29 of the industry-funded studies compared with zero (0%) of 10 of the nonindustry-funded studies (P = .0006). Twenty-six (90%) of the industry-funded studies had proindustry abstract conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four percent of the industry-funded publications had a statistically significant main outcome measure; however, 90% of the industry-funded studies had proindustry abstract conclusions. Both readers and reviewers should scrutinize publications carefully to ensure that data support the authors' conclusions.

Periorbital changes associated with topical bimatoprost

PURPOSE

To describe periorbital changes induced by chronic topical therapy with daily bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, U.S.A.).

METHODS

A clinical investigation of 5 nonconsecutive patients with unilateral glaucoma treated daily with topical bimatoprost 0.03% for up to 4 years prior to presentation.

RESULTS

In eyes treated with bimatoprost 0.03% the authors noted periorbital fat atrophy, deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus, relative enophthalmos, loss of the lower eyelid fullness, and involution of dermatochalasis compared with the fellow untreated eye. By inspecting old photographs the authors confirmed that these unilateral changes were not present prior to starting bimatoprost. In addition, these changes were partially reversible after discontinuation of the medication, whenever that was possible. In 2 cases imaging studies confirmed the clinical impression that these findings were not related to primary orbital pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians and patients should be aware of the potential of bimatoprost 0.03% to produce periorbital changes.

A multicentre evaluation of the effect of patient education on acceptance of hyperaemia associated with bimatoprost therapy for glaucoma or ocular hypertension

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of hyperaemia in patients using bimatoprost and to determine if simple interventions result in increased understanding of glaucoma and hyperaemia.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, open-label, evaluator-masked clinical trial of 106 patients. Prior to enrolling in the trial, patients were washed out from any ocular hypotensive medications and prescribed bimatoprost daily in the evening for 6 weeks. Patients were randomised to one of two groups: intervention and no intervention. Patients in the intervention group (n=63) were given a fact sheet explaining the importance of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and the efficacy of bimatoprost, while patients in the no intervention group (n=43) were instructed only to instil bimatoprost daily and were given no additional instructions.

RESULTS

As graded by the masked investigators, conjunctival hyperaemia peaked 1 day after commencing bimatoprost, with a mean of 1.2 (0=none, 0.5=trace, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe). By day 7, hyperaemia levels were approximately trace (0.79) and continued to decrease throughout the study. There were no significant differences between groups in mean conjunctival hyperaemia at any study visit (P> or =0.215). At every visit, patients in the intervention group were significantly more likely than patients in the no intervention group to report that lowering IOP was very important for preserving vision (P< or =0.001). At week 6, 98% of patients in the intervention group reported that IOP-lowering was very important for preserving vision, compared with 76% of patients who did not receive the intervention (P< or =0.001). Patients in the intervention group were more likely than patients in the no intervention group to be willing to continue to use bimatoprost, despite hyperaemia. This difference was statistically significant at day 1 (P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Patients were not bothered by the trace.mild hyperaemia associated with bimatoprost therapy. Patient education can improve patient acceptance of a prescribed regimen and potentially increase compliance.

Travoprost compared with other prostaglandin analogues or timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

It is still uncertain whether travoprost has comparable or better efficacy compared with other prostaglandin analogues or timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The authors performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the incidence of reported side-effects and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of travoprost versus other prostaglandin analogues (latanaprost, bimatoprost, unoprostone) or timolol.

METHODS

Systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, Chinese Bio-medicine Database and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register to identify the potentially relevant randomized controlled trials. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan 4.1 software that was provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. The outcome measures were the incidence of reported side-effects (hyperaemia, iris pigmentation, eyelash changes) and mean IOP pooled over treatment visits.

RESULTS

In total, 12 articles involving 3048 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were included in this meta-analysis. The combined results showed that travoprost 0.004% was more effective than timolol or travoprost 0.0015% in lowering IOP, but not more effective than bimatoprost or latanoprost. Travoprost 0.004% caused a higher percentage of hyperaemia than timolol, latanoprost, or travoprost 0.0015%. There was an increased incidence of pigmentation with travoprost than timolol. Travoprost 0.004% caused a higher percentage of eyelash changes than timolol, latanoprost, or travoprost 0.0015%.

CONCLUSION

According to data available, travoprost is more effective than timolol in lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Compared with other prostaglandin analogues, travoprost appears to be equivalent to bimatoprost and latanoprost. Although a limited number of local side-effects were reported, no serious treatment-related side-effects were reported.

Clinical pharmacology of bimatoprost

Bimatoprost (Lumigan), Allergan) is a highly efficacious ocular hypotensive agent that provides good diurnal control of intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertensive patients. Bimatoprost is a synthetic molecule that is structurally and pharmacologically similar to prostamide F(2), and appears to mimic the activity of the prostamides. Consistent with prostamide-mimetic activity, bimatoprost has potent inherent pharmacological activity in prostamide-sensitive preparations and essentially remains intact in the living primate eye. This is sufficient to explain its potent and efficacious ocular hypotensive activity, and suggests that bimatoprost is a pharmacologically unique compound.

Cost-effectiveness of monotherapy treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension with the lipid class of medications

PURPOSE

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of monotherapy with the newer lipid class of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

DESIGN

Retrospective pharmacoeconomic analysis.

METHODS

Analysis included all published studies measuring IOP reduction from untreated baseline with once-daily bimatoprost (Lumigan), latanoprost (Xalatan), or travoprost (Travatan) monotherapy in patients with elevated IOP. Percentage IOP reduction at the final study visit was calculated using the early morning IOP measurement to control for diurnal variation in IOP. Patient-weighted average percentage IOP reductions were computed for each medication. Cost per 2.5-ml bottle was determined using PriceAlert 2005 (February). Cost-effectiveness was defined as monthly cost of medication per patient-weighted average 1% reduction in IOP.

RESULTS

Studies included 951 bimatoprost, 1598 latanoprost, and 765 travoprost patients. The AWP in February, 2005 for a 2.5-ml bottle was 62.10 dollars for bimatoprost, 61.29 dollars for latanoprost, and 62.19 dollars for travoprost. Patient-weighted average IOP reduction was 32.4% for bimatoprost, 29.6% for latanoprost, and 29.0% for travoprost. Calculated cost-effectiveness was 1.92 dollars for bimatoprost, 2.07 dollars for latanoprost, and 2.14 dollars for travoprost. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis showed an incremental cost of 0.29 dollars for each additional 1% IOP reduction provided by bimatoprost over latanoprost. The rank order of the cost-effectiveness of the drugs (bimatoprost > latanoprost > travoprost) was robust in sensitivity analyses to cost and efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of AWP and patient-weighted average percentage IOP reduction in published studies, bimatoprost had the most favorable cost-effectiveness among the drugs compared. Cost-effectiveness should be considered along with traditional clinical safety and efficacy measures to make individual and group healthcare decisions.