A comparative study on the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of bimatoprost/timolol and dorzolamide/timolol combinations in glaucoma patients

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.

[Effectiveness and safety of drug combination therapy in patients with advanced primary open-angle glaucoma]

PURPOSE

To study the hypotensive effectiveness and safety of Bimoptic Plus (bimatoprost 0.03% + timolol 0.5%) in patients with developed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 30 patients aged 57 to 72 years (45 eyes). The 1^st group included 15 patients (24 eyes) who were first diagnosed with developed glaucoma with moderately elevated and high intraocular pressure (IOP) and prescribed the drug as starting therapy. Patients of the 2^nd group (15 patients, 21 eyes) were prescribed Bimoptic Plus with insufficient effectiveness of monotherapy with prostaglandin analogues. The follow-up period was 6 months.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 26 patients (41 eyes). Three patients (10%) has stopped using Bimoptic Plus due to side effects, one (3.3%) - due to insufficient hypotensive effect. In the 1^st group, the maximum IOP decrease was recorded at the 1^st month of the study and amounted to 8.34±1.47 mm Hg (32.2%) compared to baseline, while after 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months it decreased to 8.1±1.52 mm Hg (31.3%), 7.93±1.35 mm Hg (30.6%) and 7.9±1.42 mm Hg (30.5%), respectively. In patients of the 2^nd group, additional IOP decrease after 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months from the start of therapy was 4.68±1.24 mm Hg (20.5%), 4.94±1.18 mm Hg (21.7%), 4.55±1.23 mm Hg (20%), 4.5±1.26 mm Hg (19.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Bimoptic Plus effectively reduces the IOP level and has the least amount adverse reactions. It can be recommended for wide use in the treatment of patients with POAG.

Fixed-combination topical anti-hypertensive ophthalmic agents

INTRODUCTION

Fixed-combination glaucoma medications have altered the paradigm of ocular hypertension and glaucoma treatment and are in widespread use today. A comprehensive review of fixed-combination medications will help educate and inform providers for optimal patient care.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors describe the composition, mechanism of action, efficacy, side effects, and safety profile of fixed-combination agents for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma as well as comparisons between the most frequently prescribed medications.

EXPERT OPINION

Fixed-combination therapeutics provide an effective and efficient means of lowering intraocular pressure with comparable side effects and outcomes to constituent parts with lower patient exposure to preservatives and improvement in compliance.

Prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study of the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analog/prostamide-containing therapies in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, safety, and usage patterns of prostaglandin analog/prostamide (PGA/P)-containing topical ocular hypotensives in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Turkish clinical setting.

METHODS

This non-interventional, multicenter study enrolled previously treated patients who failed to achieve target IOP (or experienced unacceptable adverse events [AEs]) and were prescribed a PGA/P-containing IOP-lowering agent. Treatment was initiated at baseline (V1), and patients returned at weeks 4-6 (V2) and 8-12 (V3). The primary efficacy measure was the change in IOP from baseline at V3 in each eye. The secondary measures were physician's assessment of IOP-lowering efficacy, patients (%) reaching target IOP determined at V1, hyperemia score, physician and patient assessment of study treatment tolerability at V3, and AE frequency/severity. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving the most common study treatment was conducted. All analyses were performed using the safety population (patients who received one or more doses and had any data available).

RESULTS

Of 358 enrolled patients, 60.6% had primary open-angle glaucoma, 29.9% had secondary open-angle glaucoma (protocol amendment), and 13.1% had OHT; 13 patients had multiple diagnoses. At V3, the mean IOP change from baseline was ≥-4.2 mmHg (≥21.1%). IOP met or was lower than the target in 81.7% of patients, 95% exhibited none to mild conjunctival hyperemia (most common AE), and tolerability was rated good/very good by >91.1% of patients and physicians. The results were similar in patients who received the most common study treatment, bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% (bim/tim; n=310).

CONCLUSION

PGA/P-containing medications, including bim/tim, significantly reduced IOP in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or OHT; most reached their target IOP or an IOP even lower than their target and reported good/very good tolerability. PGA/P-containing medications such as bim/tim should be considered as a safe, effective therapeutic option for Turkish patients who exhibit poor response, tolerance, or adherence to their previous therapy.

Efficacy of Bimatoprost Plus Timolol Fixed Combination in Open Angle Glaucoma Patients Previously Treated with Dorzolamide Plus Timolol Fixed Combination

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost plus timolol fixed combination (BTFC) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) previously treated with dorzolamide plus timolol fixed combination (DTFC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective, medical records review study. Medical records of patients with POAG previously treated with DTFC and then switched to BTFC for poor intraocular pressure (IOP) control or ocular discomfort were included in the analysis. One baseline IOP diurnal curve, and one diurnal curve under each treatment were required to be eligible for this study. The primary outcome was to compare the mean diurnal IOP between DTFC and BTFC. Secondary outcomes were to compare the IOP diurnal fluctuation, and the percentage of patients achieving a target IOP <14, <16, and <18 mmHg between the two treatments.

RESULTS

Medical records of 96 patients were analyzed (mean age 65.8 years ± 7.2, range 39-89 years). The mean diurnal IOP was 23.7 ± 3.8 mmHg at baseline, 16.9 ± 3.4 mmHg with DTFC and 15.1 ± 2.9 mmHg after therapy was switched to BTFC (p < 0.0001 each treatment vs baseline; p < 0.0001 DTFC vs BTFC). The proportion of patients achieving a mean diurnal IOP <18, <16, and <14 mmHg was 76%, 35.4%, and 12.5% with DTFC and 81.2%, 68.8%, and 37.5% with BTFC (p = 0.20, p < 0.01, and p < 0.0001 between the two treatments, respectively). IOP fluctuation did not differ significantly between the treatments.

CONCLUSION

BTFC can provide additional lowering in the mean diurnal IOP in patients previously treated with DTFC with no significant differences in the safety and tolerability profile.

A Systematic Review of the State of Economic Evaluation for Health Care in India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Economic evaluations are one of the important tools in policy making for rational allocation of resources. Given the very low public investment in the health sector in India, it is critical that resources are used wisely on interventions proven to yield best results. Hence, we undertook this study to assess the extent and quality of evidence for economic evaluation of health-care interventions and programmes in India.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted to search for published full economic evaluations pertaining to India and addressing a health-related intervention or programme. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and York CRD database and websites of important research agencies were identified to search for economic evaluations published from January 1980 to the middle of November 2014. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the studies based on Drummond and modelling checklist.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 5013 articles enlisted after literature search, a total of 104 met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The majority of these papers were cost-effectiveness studies (64%), led by a clinician or public-health professional (77%), using decision analysis-based methods (59%), published in an international journal (80%) and addressing communicable diseases (58%). In addition, 42% were funded by an international funding agency or UN/bilateral aid agency, and 30% focussed on pharmaceuticals. The average quality score of these full economic evaluations was 65.1%. The major limitation was the inability to address uncertainties involved in modelling as only about one-third of the studies assessed modelling structural uncertainties (33%), or ran sub-group analyses to account for heterogeneity (36.5%) or analysed methodological uncertainty (32%).

CONCLUSION

The existing literature on economic evaluations in India is inadequate to feed into sound policy making. There is an urgent need to generate awareness within the government of how economic evaluation can inform and benefit policy making, and at the same time build capacity of health-care professionals in understanding the economic principles of health-care delivery system.

Cost Analysis of Commonly used Combination of Drugs in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is second cause of blindness in the world. The financial burden on the patient during long-term treatment is immense and affects the compliance to medications, thus visual morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse economic impact of three commonly used drug combinations (Dorzolamide + Timolol = DT; Brimonidine + Timolol = BT; Latanoprost+Timolol = LT) in primary open angle glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational, prospective study was undertaken at M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, a western regional institute of Ophthalmology. A total of 257 patients were included in the study. Only101 patients could complete the 6 month follow-up, of which 35, 34 and 32 patients belonged to DT, BT and LT group respectively. Cost of drug, details of the transportation were noted at every visit. Total cost incurred per patient/eye was calculated. Cost effectiveness was calculated by cost per mm Hg IOP (Intra-Ocular Pressure) reduction.

RESULTS

Treatment with DT, BT & LT group consumed 8.6%, 4.6% and 7.7% of the per annum income of the family, respectively. Cost of medications per annum (in INR)/eye for DT, BT & LT group were 2562 ± 15.74, 1544 ± 32.06, 3876 ± 73.68 (Mean±SEM) respectively. Additional cost of travelling was different for patients coming from Ahmedabad (Locals) and outsiders (patients coming outside Ahmedabad, India). Outsiders has to bear the brunt of higher transport charges, where they spent an average of Rs. 914, 856 & 933 per annum (5 follow-ups), whereas, Locals spent an average of Rs. 104, 112, 100 for DT, BT & LT group respectively.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with BT was found to be most cost-effective among three groups. Drug therapy takes substantial amount from per annum income of family and was an important compliance factor in the treatment of POAG.

Intraocular pressure-lowering combination therapies with prostaglandin analogues

Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is currently the only therapeutic approach demonstrated to preserve visual function in patients with glaucoma. The first line of glaucoma treatment consists of topical IOP-lowering medications, usually initiated as monotherapy. A significant proportion of patients require more than one medication to reach a target IOP at which optic nerve damage will not progress. As prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are the most effective class for reducing IOP, one of the other commonly used classes (β-adrenoceptor antagonist [β-blocker], carbonic anhydrase inhibitor or α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist) is frequently combined with a PGA. In the last decade, the use of fixed combinations containing two medications in a single bottle has steadily increased. Fixed combinations have the potential to simplify the dosing regimen, increase patient adherence, avoid the washout effect of the second drop on the first medication instilled, decrease exposure to preservatives and, sometimes, reduce the cost of treatment. Clinical trials have evaluated PGA-based fixed combinations versus unfixed combinations (individual components administered concomitantly) or versus individual monotherapies; however, any advantage that the fixed combinations may have in terms of IOP-lowering efficacy is still debated. For these reasons, the PGA-based fixed combinations are not approved by regulatory authorities in some countries, such as the US. We review the published studies evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of the IOP-lowering unfixed and fixed combination therapies with PGAs. Regarding unfixed combinations, the review shows that α(2)-adrenergic agonists-PGA and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor-PGA combinations seem to be at least as effective at reducing IOP as the β-blocker-PGA combinations. As for the fixed combinations, the review shows that the three PGA-timolol fixed combinations are more effective than their component medications used separately as monotherapy and are better tolerated than the three respective prostaglandins. The three PGA-timolol fixed combinations are less effective at reducing IOP than the unfixed combinations but are better tolerated. The advantage of the fixed combinations in terms of patient adherence and persistence is supported by a very small number of studies and remains to be more accurately determined. Most studies, but not all, seem to show that PGA-timolol fixed combinations are more effective than other available β-blocker fixed combinations (dorzolamide-timolol fixed combinations) at reducing IOP and are similarly tolerated.

Intraocular pressure reduction of fixed combination timolol maleate 0.5% and dorzolamide 2% (Cosopt) administered three times a day

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy in intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of increasing Cosopt dosage from twice to three times a day.

Methods

The study included patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. After a washout period, IOP was measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment with Cosopt twice a day, and after another 4 weeks of treatment with Cosopt three times a day. Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels were also recorded.

Results

Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients were included. Increasing Cosopt dosage resulted in a statistically significant (P < 0.001) additional reduction in IOP of 2.2 ± 1.58 mmHg (10.69% ± 7.49% of the baseline IOP values). There were no local or systemic adverse effects.

Conclusion

Treatment with Cosopt three times a day was more effective in reducing IOP than twice a day, with no effect on safety.