Bimatoprost implant reduces IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma

In a recent study, Robert Weinreb and team demonstrated the consistent IOP-lowering effects of bimatroprost implant, with the majority of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients maintaining reduced IOP levels for up to 1 year without requiring additional therapy. The findings were published inOphthalmology Glaucoma.

The multicenter, open-label study involved 31 adult participants who received a 10-μg bimatoprost implant in the study eye on day 1. The IOP was measured using pneumatonometry every 2 hours over a 24-hour period at baseline and week 8. Additionally, Goldmann applanation tonometry was used to measure IOP at hour 0 (8 am ± 1 hour) at various time points throughout the study.

The primary endpoint of the study was the change in habitual position IOP over 24 hours at week 8, assessed with pneumatonometry. The results showed consistent IOP lowering throughout the day and night, with reduced fluctuations in IOP measurements. The range in IOP measurements over 24 hours decreased by a mean of −1.6 mmHg compared to baseline.

Encouragingly, all 31 participants who received the bimatoprost implant completed the 12-month study, with 74% of them not requiring any additional rescue IOP-lowering treatment. In non-rescued eyes, the mean reduction in IOP from baseline at month 12 was −4.3 mmHg.

The safety profile of the bimatoprost implant was found to be favorable, with conjunctival hyperemia being the most common treatment-emergent adverse event, occurring in 35.5% of participants. Importantly, no participant experienced a significant loss in central corneal endothelial cell density from baseline, indicating the implant's safety in this regard.

These findings highlight the potential of a single intracameral administration of the bimatoprost implant as an effective and sustained treatment option for reducing IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The implications of this research are significant for individuals living with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, as well as healthcare professionals involved in their care.

The bimatoprost implant offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Further studies and long-term monitoring will help solidify the safety and efficacy of this innovative approach in managing these eye conditions.

Source:

Weinreb, R. N., Christie, W. C., Medeiros, F. A., Craven, E. R., Kim, K., Nguyen, A., Bejanian, M., & Wirta, D. L. (2023). Single Administration of Bimatoprost Implant: Effects on 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure and 1-Year Outcomes. In Ophthalmology Glaucoma. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogla.2023.06.007