The ocular hypertension market is experiencing growth fueled by an increasing number of conditions that impair aqueous humor outflow, such as scarring and inflammation, which subsequently elevate intraocular pressure (IOP). Innovations in treatment methodologies, including sustained-release implants and micro-dosing technologies, are significantly improving patient compliance and overall treatment outcomes. Enhanced imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) are also playing a crucial role by supporting early diagnosis and timely intervention, further propelling market expansion.
Key Players and Pipeline Therapies
DelveInsight's 'Ocular Hypertension Pipeline Insight 2025' report highlights a dynamic landscape with over 60 active companies engaged in developing more than 70 pipeline drugs targeting ocular hypertension. Key companies such as Nicox, Qlaris Bio, TheratOcular Biotek Co., Ltd., Ocular Therapeutix, JeniVision, Inc., Santen, VivaVision Biotech, ONL Therapeutics, MediPrint Ophthalmics, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, Ripple Therapeutics, Peregrine Ophthalmic, Chong Kun Dang, Laboratoires Thea, Novoron Bioscience, and Alcon are at the forefront of this innovation.
Promising therapies in the pipeline include NCX-470, PDP716, QLS-101, TO-O-1001, OTX-TIC, AGN-193408, LL-BMT1, DE-126, ONL1204, DE-130A, VVN539, POLAT-001, RTC-1119, D565, Bimatoprost, NOVO-118, and AR-17043, each undergoing various phases of clinical trials.
Recent Clinical Developments
In December 2024, Nicox announced the full enrollment of its Denali Phase III trial in China, which is evaluating the efficacy and safety of NCX470 in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The screening process has been completed.
MediPrint Ophthalmics reported results from its Phase IIb clinical trial of LL-BMT1 in November 2024. The trial utilized a novel 3D-printed, drug-eluting contact lens for sustained delivery of bimatoprost and hyaluronic acid, successfully achieving all Phase IIb endpoints.
SpyGlass Pharma initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial in October 2023, investigating its intraocular drug delivery platform in patients with glaucoma and visually significant cataracts. This platform is designed for implantation during routine cataract surgery, providing multiple years of bimatoprost delivery to lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Qlaris Bio completed a $24 million Series B financing round in April 2024 to advance QLS-111, a first-in-class IOP-lowering drug candidate for glaucoma. The company also initiated two separate US Phase II masked, randomized clinical trials in April 2024, investigating QLS-111 in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Nicox announced in March 2024 the publication of results from the Mont Blanc pivotal Phase III trial in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. This trial compared NCX 470 to latanoprost in lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Understanding Ocular Hypertension
Ocular hypertension is characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye, exceeding the normal range of 21 mm Hg. This condition is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, increasing the likelihood of developing the disease. Ocular hypertension results from a dysfunction in the drainage system for aqueous humor, leading to an imbalance between its production and outflow, thus increasing IOP.
Diagnostic tests for ocular hypertension include central visual field evaluation, optic nerve and fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and assessment of peripheral anterior chamber configuration through gonioscopy.
Treatment Strategies
The primary treatment involves eye drops that lower IOP by reducing aqueous humor production or enhancing its drainage. Medications commonly used include prostaglandins, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, rho kinase inhibitors, and miotic or cholinergic agents. Laser or surgical interventions may be necessary if eye drops are insufficient. Long-term monitoring is crucial to assess potential progression to glaucoma and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
