Reports From the Field

Eye drops lower intraocular pressure

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Rescula, a new synthetic docosanoid compound for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Rescula, manufactured by CIBA Vision, the Atlanta-based eye care unit of Novartis, lowers intraocular pressure when used as either a monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. In clinical studies, Rescula maintained a constant level of intraocular pressure throughout the day and showed no loss of efficacy over 12 months.

Patients use Rescula, in the form of eye drops, twice a day. It penetrates the cornea and achieves maximum effect in as soon as 24 hours. It is indicated for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are intolerant of other intraocular pressure-lowering medications or who fail to achieve target intraocular pressure after multiple measurements over time while taking another intraocular pressure-lowering medication.

More information is available on-line at www.cibavision.com.