PGA Class Efficacy
Higher Tolerability
A recent study demonstrates that preservative-free Monoprost® is as effective as preserved latanoprost for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension—with better tolerability for improved patient compliance.
Findings suggest that better tolerability of preservative-free latanoprost may improve patient compliance and long-term efficacy.
Purpose of the study
How the Study Was Conducted
Preservatives used in eye drops for glaucoma often lead to side effects such as stinging and eye redness. These side effects can cause patients to reduce their use of eye drops or discontinue their use altogether. A recent study by Paul Harasymowycz, et al., examined whether a preservative-free latanoprost (Monoprost®), was as effective as preservative-containing latanoprost for reducing eye pressure, and whether it’s better tolerated in patients with glaucoma.
The study was based on a post-hoc pooled analysis from 5 Monoprost® studies:
- 3 randomized clinical trials (2 phases III, 1 phase IV)
- 2 real-world evidence observational studies (PASSY and FREE)
A total of 3,610 patients were included in the study.
Purpose of the study
Preservatives used in eye drops for glaucoma often lead to side effects such as stinging and eye redness. These side effects can cause patients to reduce their use of eye drops or discontinue their use altogether. A recent study by Paul Harasymowycz, et al., examined whether a preservative-free latanoprost (Monoprost®), was as effective as preservative-containing latanoprost for reducing eye pressure, and whether it’s better tolerated in patients with glaucoma.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study was based on a post-hoc pooled analysis from 5 Monoprost® studies:
- 3 randomized clinical trials (2 phases III, 1 phase IV)
- 2 real-world evidence observational studies (PASSY and FREE)
A total of 3,610 patients were included in the study.
Key Findings
Monoprost® was as effective as Xalatan® in reducing IOP after 3 months.
- After 84 days, Monoprost® was two times superior to preservative-containing Xalatan® in reducing ocular hyperemia (odds ratio, 1.96; p<0.001).
- At day 84, the mean IOP was 16.1 ± 2.8 mmHg in the Monoprost® group and 15.5 ± 2.5 in the preserved latanoprost group. The change in IOP from baseline to day 84 was similar between groups (p=0.312).
Monoprost® was twice as efficient at reducing ocular signs compared to Xalatan®.
- The weighted 5-parameter OSD composite score indicated a 32.2% decrease in ocular signs and symptoms with Monoprost® compared to a 14.1% decrease with Xalatan®.
Monoprost® produced high patient and investigator satisfaction rates
- 95.7% of patients treated with Monoprost® were very satisfied or satisfied with tolerating their topical eye drops 3 months after initiating treatment.
- 98.4% of Ophthalmologists were satisfied with the efficacy of Monoprost®
Conclusion
- Preservative-free latanoprost (Monoprost®) and preservative-containing latanoprost (Xalatan®) were equally effective at reducing intraocular pressure. However, Monoprost® was better tolerated.
- This post-hoc pooled analysis brings new evidence to support preservative-free treatment and especially Monoprost® against Xalatan®.
Next Steps
Further studies are warranted to confirm that the improved signs and symptoms from the switch to Monoprost® can lead to better treatment compliance and potentially maintaining the long-term efficacy of the glaucoma medication.
Read the study
As it is an open access publication, the PDF can be downloaded freely here.
Preserved versus Preservative-free Latanoprost for the treatment of Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: A post-hoc pooled analysis.
Paul Harasymowycz, Cindy Hutnik, Jean-François Rouland, Francisco J. Muñoz Negrete, Mario A. Economou, Philippe Denis, Christophe Baudouin.
