First-line treatment approved for elevated IOP in glaucoma

The FDA has approved bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) as a first-line treatment for elevated IOP associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

In 2001, the eye drops were approved as a second-line treatment to reduce elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension who were intolerant of other IOP-lowering medications or who did not have sufficient reduction in IOP in multiple measurements using another IOP-lowering medication.

"The FDA's first-line indication for Lumigan helps to validate that the lipid class of medications has become the mainstay of IOP-lowering therapy and that once-a-day lipids are becoming the therapy of choice based on their efficacy, systemic safety, and ease of use," said Paul P. Lee, MD, JD, professor of ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC.