24-h Intraocular pressure control with evening-dosed travoprost/timolol, compared with latanoprost/timolol, fixed combinations in exfoliative glaucoma

The efficacy of the fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol versus other fixed combinations for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fixed-combination (FC) therapy is used in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) patients who require more than one medication to reach their target intraocular pressure (IOP). Currently, there are several FC therapies available for the treatment of glaucoma. The FC of latanoprost/timolol (LTFC) is a commonly used FC. Here, we conducted systematic review to compare the IOP-lowering effects of LTFC with other FCs for patients with POAG and OHT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized-controlled clinical trials and cross-over studies. The outcomes were mean IOP and IOP fluctuation after one month of treatment. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan (version 5.1) software. After conducting meta-analyses, we rated the quality of each meta-analysis as high, moderate, low, or very low using the "GRADE" system.

RESULTS

We included 16 trials in this meta-analysis. Moderate-quality meta-analysis showed that LTFC had a comparable mean IOP to that of a fixed combination of travoprost and timolol (TTFC) [mean difference (MD): 0.07 mmHg] and a fixed combination of dorzolamide and timolol (DTFC) [MD: -0.31 mmHg], and it also had a comparable IOP-fluctuation effect compared to that of TTFC [MD: 0.13 mm Hg] and DTFC [MD: 0.25 mmHg]. Compared to the fixed combination of bimatoprost and timolol (BiTFC), moderate-quality evidence showed a higher mean IOP in the LTFC group [MD 0.76 mmHg], whereas low-quality meta-analysis showed higher IOP fluctuation [MD 1.09 mmHg] in the LTFC group.

CONCLUSIONS

LTFC is as effective as TTFC and DTFC, but worse than BiTFC in controlling mean IOP and IOP fluctuation for POAG or OHT patients. The quality of our meta-analyses was assessed as moderate, with the exception of one low-quality analysis that compared the IOP fluctuation of LTFC and BiTFC.

Medical Management of Glaucoma in Exfoliation Syndrome

The treatment of glaucoma in exfoliation syndrome is similar to primary open-angle glaucoma. Frequently, exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) patients require early polytherapy with topical medications. Little emphasis has been placed on tailoring treatment specifically to XFG. New outflow enhancing agents with novel mechanisms of action, such as Rho Kinase inhibition, NO signaling (both recently FDA-approved drugs) and adenosine α1-receptor stimulation, act directly on the trabecular meshwork. These agents may prove to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure and perhaps altering the pathogenesis of XFG aid in the long-term management of this disease.

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Latanoprost/Timolol versus Travoprost/Timolol Fixed Combinations for Ocular Hypertension Associated with Uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare latanoprost/timolol (LT) versus travoprost/timolol (TT) fixed combinations for ocular hypertension (OHT) associated with uveitis.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (55 eyes) who were treated with LT (28 eyes) or TT (27 eyes) for OHT associated with uveitis were reviewed retrospectively. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation scores at the initiation of treatment and at the last visit during therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although IOP was reduced significantly in both LT and TT groups, the reduction rate was significantly greater with TT group than with LT. The differences in the reduction of IOP between the groups remained significant when the cases were classified into inflammation-induced OHT and steroid-induced OHT. Inflammation score was not exacerbated by LT or TT treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both LT and TT are safe and effective for the treatment of OHT associated with uveitis and greater IOP reduction may be achieved by TT than by LT treatment.

Twenty-four-hour intraocular pressure monitoring in normotensive patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

PURPOSE

To investigate 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) changes caused by hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

A prospective, observational, comparative 24-hour trial was performed on consecutive subjects with normal IOP undergoing maintenance HD 3 days a week between 13:00 and 17:00 hours in an academic setting. Following a comprehensive ocular assessment, those with conditions that may influence IOP were excluded and one eye was randomly selected. Twenty-four-hour IOP monitoring was performed on HD day 1 and then on a day without HD. The IOP was measured at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 22:00, 02:00, and 06:00 employing Goldmann and Perkins tonometry on habitual position. During the course of 1 year, 18 patients completed the study.

RESULTS

Monitoring of IOP on HD day showed a significantly higher mean 24-hour IOP (15.4 ± 2.7 vs 14.1 ± 2.2 mm Hg; p = 0.025), higher mean peak 24-hour IOP (18.5 ± 3.5 vs 15.8 ± 2.5 mm Hg; p = 0.003), and wider 24-hour IOP fluctuation (6.2 ± 2.3 vs 4.0 ± 1.9 mm Hg; p = 0.001). When individual time points were compared, IOP was significantly higher at 17:00 on HD day, reflecting a gradual IOP elevation during HD (p = 0.021). Further, during the HD procedure (13:00-17:00), the mean IOP was significantly higher on a HD day (16.4 ± 3.0 vs 14.7 ± 2.4 mm Hg; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective, before/after trial suggests that HD significantly impacts 24-hour IOP characteristics in normotensive eyes. The long-term significance of these findings requires further elucidation in normotensive patients and, predominantly, in patients with glaucoma undergoing HD.

Efficacy and tolerability of prostaglandin-timolol fixed combinations: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prostaglandin-timolol fixed combinations (PG-timolol FCs) are now widely used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The efficacy and tolerability of these drugs are worthy of further exploration. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the three PG-timolol FCs.

METHODS

Pertinent randomized, controlled trials were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials and the Chinese Biomedicine Database. The main efficacy measures were the weighted mean differences (WMDs) for the reduction from baseline to end of treatment in IOP at 9 am, 12 pm and 4 pm and diurnal curve. The main tolerability measures were the odds ratios (ORs) for the incidence of conjunctival hyperemia.

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 991 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Latanoprost-timolol FC (LTFC) and travoprost-timolol FC (TTFC) were not significantly different in lowering IOP at diurnal mean, 9 am, 12 pm and 4 pm. Bimatoprost-timolol FC (BTFC) provided significantly greater efficacy in lowering IOP at the three measurement time points and over the mean diurnal curve than LTFC (diurnal curve: WMD = 0.88 mmHg [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.33]; 9 am: WMD = 1.27 mmHg [0.68 to 1.86]; 12 pm: WMD = 1.16 mmHg [0.85 to 1.46]; 4 pm: WMD = 0.61 mmHg [0.51 to 0.70]) and TTFC (diurnal curve: WMD = 1.94 mmHg [0.19 to 3.68]; 9 am: WMD = 0.68 mmHg [0.15 to 1.21]; 12 pm: WMD = 0.90 mmHg [0.41 to 1.39]; 4 pm: WMD = 1.06 mmHg [0.61 to 1.51]). The incidence of hyperemia was significantly higher with BTFC than LTFC (pooled ORs: 1.85 [1.09 to 3.13]). The incidence of hyperemia was not significantly higher with TTFC than LTFC (pooled ORs: 2.52 [0.85 to 7.46]), and was not significantly higher with BTFC than TTFC (pooled OR: 1.65 [0.48 to 5.70]).

CONCLUSIONS

BTFC provided significantly greater efficacy in lowering IOP at diurnal mean, 9 am, 12 pm and 4 pm than LTFC and TTFC. LTFC was as effective as TTFC in lowering IOP at the four measurement time points and BTFC caused conjunctival hyperemia in more patients than LTFC. Further clinical trials are needed because of the limited number of studies.

Management of exfoliative glaucoma: challenges and solutions

Exfoliative glaucoma is the most common type of secondary open-angle glaucoma worldwide. It is characterized by high intraocular pressure (IOP) and worse 24-hour IOP characteristics. In order to minimize progression, treatment of exfoliative glaucoma has to provide a low long-term mean IOP and good 24-hour IOP control. To achieve these goals, fixed-dose combination eye drops, argon and selective laser trabeculoplasty, and various forms of surgery (trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy, viscocanalostomy, ab interno trabeculotomy, trabecular aspiration, and cataract surgery) all need to be considered during the long-term management of the disease. Since exfoliative glaucoma is a disease of the elderly, and is frequently associated with systemic vascular disease, interdisciplinary consultations are of great clinical importance. These management aspects and the current medical, laser, and surgical results are covered in this review, with a special focus on the needs of the general ophthalmologist.

Intraocular pressure decrease with preservative-free fixed and unfixed combination of tafluprost and timolol in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

We investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of preservative-free fixed and non-fixed combination of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG). A per protocol worse eye analysis was made on all XFG patients who participated in a recent 6 month, prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel group, multicenter phase III study. The mean time-wise IOP decreased by 8.62 to 10.25 mmHg (31.8 to 36.7%) in the fixed dose combination arm (15 patients) and by 5.38 to 11.35 mmHg (21.3 to 41.2%) in the non-fixed combination arm (13 patients), respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The results show that a preservative-free fixed dose combination of tafluprost and timolol provides a clinically significant IOP reduction in XFG, and may offer an advantage for the XFG patients with dry eye, due to its preservative-free nature.

Fixed-dose combination of tafluprost and timolol in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: comparison with other fixed-combination products

A new preservative-free fixed-dose combination of 0.0015% tafluprost, a prostaglandin F_2α analog, and 0.5% timolol (TAF/TIM; Santen Oy, Tampere, Finland), a beta-adrenergic antagonist has recently been developed. The intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction with TAF/TIM in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension is similar to that of other prostaglandin–timolol fixed-combination products. Patients with high IOP responded well to TAF/TIM with reductions of up to 40% (>13 mmHg) and beyond. Compared to previous controlled and double-masked clinical trials with DuoTrav^® (Alcon, Fort Worth, USA) and Ganfort^® (Allergan, Irvine, USA), TAF/TIM caused less superficial ocular side effects and less conjunctival hyperemia. Plausible explanations for the differences in side effects between the fixed-combination products are discussed.

24-hour efficacy of travoprost/timolol BAK-free versus latanoprost/timolol fixed combinations in patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost

INTRODUCTION

To compare the 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) control and tolerability of travoprost/timolol benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-free (TTFC) vs. latanoprost/timolol fixed combination preserved with BAK (LTFC) in open-angle glaucoma patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy given once in the evening.

METHODS

The authors have conducted a prospective, observer-masked, active-controlled, cross-over, comparison study. Qualified open-angle glaucoma patients who demonstrated a latanoprost-treated morning IOP (10:00 ± 1 h) greater than 20 mmHg on two separate visits were randomized for 3 months to receive either TTFC or LTFC. Patients were then crossed over to the opposite treatment for another 3 months. At the end of the latanoprost run-in and after each 3-month therapy period patients underwent 24-h IOP monitoring in the habitual position using Goldmann applanation tonometry in the sitting position during the day (10:00, 14:00, 18:00 and 22:00) and Perkins tonometry in the supine position at night (02:00 and 06:00). Selected ocular surface parameters were evaluated after each therapy period.

RESULTS

Forty-two open-angle glaucoma patients completed the study. The mean 24-h baseline IOP on latanoprost was 21.5 ± 1.6 mmHg. Both fixed combinations significantly reduced the IOP at each time point, for the mean, peak and fluctuation of 24-h IOP compared with latanoprost monotherapy (P < 0.01). When the two fixed combinations were compared directly, TTFC provided significantly lower mean 24-h IOP (18.9 ± 2.2 mmHg) vs. LTFC (19.3 ± 2.3 mmHg) (P = 0.004) and significantly lower IOP at 18:00 (18.6 ± 2.5 vs. 19.5 ± 2.7 mmHg for LTFC) (P < 0.001). Further, TTFC demonstrated significantly better tear film break-up time (5.15 vs. 4.65 s), corneal stain (1.5 vs. 1.8) and Schirmer I test (9.9 vs. 9.2 mm) compared with LTFC after 3 months of therapy (P < 0.01 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

The mean 24-h IOP lowering of TTFC was statistically more significant compared to LTFC in patients insufficiently controlled with latanoprost monotherapy. Measurement of ocular surface health and tear film status favored the BAK-free TTFC compared to LTFC.

Efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination as transition therapy in patients previously on prostaglandin analog monotherapy

Purpose

To assess the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) had been insufficiently controlled on prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy to treatment with travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination with benzalkonium chloride (TTFC).

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, open-label, historical controlled, single-arm study transitioned patients who had primary open-angle glaucoma, pigment dispersion glaucoma, or ocular hypertension and who required further IOP reduction from PGA monotherapy to once-daily treatment with TTFC for 12 weeks. IOP and safety (adverse events, corrected distance visual acuity, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 12. A solicited ocular symptom survey was administered at baseline and at week 12. Patients and investigators reported their medication preference at week 12.

Results

Of 65 patients enrolled, 43 had received prior travoprost therapy and 22 had received prior nontravoprost therapy (n = 18, bimatoprost; n = 4, latanoprost). In the total population, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline (P = 0.000009), showing a 16.8% reduction after 12 weeks of TTFC therapy. In the study subgroups, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.0001) in the prior travoprost cohort (19.0% reduction) and in the prior nontravoprost cohort (13.1% reduction). Seven mild, ocular, treatment-related adverse events were reported. Of the ten ocular symptom questions, eight had numerically lower percentages with TTFC compared with prior PGA monotherapy and two had numerically higher percentages with TTFC (dry eye symptoms and ocular stinging/burning). At week 12, TTFC was preferred over prior therapy for 84.2% of patients (48 of 57) by the patients themselves, and for 94.7% of patients (54 of 57) by their physicians.

Conclusion

When TTFC replaced PGA monotherapy in patients whose IOP had been uncontrolled, the outcome was a significant reduction in IOP and an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Most patients and investigators preferred TTFC to prior PGA monotherapy.

Overview of the [corrected] travoprost /timolol BAK-free fixed combination

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.

Efficacy and tolerability of prostaglandin-timolol fixed combinations: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects and tolerability of the 3 prostaglandin-timolol fixed combinations (PG-timolol FCs).

METHODS

Clinical trials comparing directly the PG-timolol FCs or comparing the PG-timolol FCs to their individual components were thoroughly searched. The main outcome measures were efficacy assessed by IOP (taken at 9 am, noon, 4 pm, and over the mean diurnal curve) change at 3 months (or after 1 to 6 months of treatment if no data were available at month 3) from baseline and tolerability assessed by the incidence of conjunctival hyperemia.

RESULTS

Twenty trials were identified (n = 4684 patients). Intraocular pressure reduction was usually greater with the 3 PG-timolol FCs than the individual PG (mean difference [MD] 0.00 mmHg to 2.59 mmHg; p>0.1 to p<0.001). The incidence of hyperemia was significantly less with latanoprost- and bimatoprost-timolol FCs than with the individual PG (relative risk = 0.66 and 0.61; p = 0.05 and p<0.001). From direct comparisons, IOP reduction was significantly greatest with bimatoprost-timolol FC, at 9 am, 4 pm, and over the mean diurnal curve compared to latanoprost-timolol FC (MD = 0.90 mmHg to 1.48 mmHg; p<0.001) and at all time points compared to travoprost-timolol FC (MD = 0.66 mmHg to 0.90 mmHg; p<0.001). The incidence of hyperemia was not significantly less with latanoprost-timolol FC than with bimatoprost-timolol FC (relative risk = 1.32; p>0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 PG-timolol FCs provide a greater IOP reduction and lower incidence of hyperemia than the 3 PGs alone. The direct comparisons suggest a greater efficacy of the bimatoprost-timolol FC compared with latanoprost- and travoprost-timolol FCs.

Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination in patients transitioning from fixed or unfixed bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5%

INTRODUCTION

Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who do not achieve target intraocular pressure (IOP) using one hypotensive agent are often transitioned to combination therapy. Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination (TTFC) has shown efficacy in patients whose IOP is not controlled with other therapies. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of transitioning to TTFC in patients whose IOP was uncontrolled on bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5%, administered concomitantly or as a fixed combination.

METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter study of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who transitioned to TTFC from fixed or unfixed bimatoprost/timolol. Patients self-administered TTFC once daily for 8 weeks, and efficacy and safety were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. A symptom survey was administered at baseline and Week 8. Both patients and investigators reported their medication preference at Week 8.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean IOP decreased by 16.5% from baseline after 8 weeks of TTFC therapy in the total population, 15.0% in patients transitioning from fixed-combination therapy, and 20.8% in patients transitioning from unfixed therapy (P<0.001 for all groups). The percentage of patients reaching target IOP (≤18 mmHg) after treatment with TTFC was 69.2% (P<0.001). Patients judged stinging/burning to be less severe with TTFC than with prior therapy (P=0.029); all other symptom frequencies and severities were similar for both treatments. Patients preferred TTFC over bimatoprost/timolol (fixed and unfixed) at a ratio of more than 4:1 (81.4% vs. 18.6%; P<0.001), and investigators reported a nearly five-fold preference for TTFC (83.3% vs. 16.7%; P<0.001). No unexpected safety concerns with TTFC were observed.

CONCLUSION

Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination produced a significant reduction in IOP, with favorable safety and tolerability profiles. Both patients and investigators strongly preferred TTFC to prior bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% therapy.