Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched India's first combination eye drop therapy for glaucoma treatment, combining Ripasudil and Timolol in a single formulation. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved this pioneering treatment, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmic care for the country's estimated 11.9 million glaucoma patients.
The novel combination addresses a critical healthcare need in India, which contributes to 23.5% of the global glaucoma burden. Glaucoma ranks as the third leading cause of vision impairment in India, after cataracts and refractive errors, and is the second leading cause of irreversible but preventable blindness worldwide.
Dual Mechanism of Action
The new therapy offers superior intraocular pressure (IOP) control through two complementary mechanisms:
- Ripasudil: Enhances aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork, effectively draining excess fluid from the eye
- Timolol: Reduces the production of aqueous humor, decreasing the amount of fluid the eye produces
This synergistic approach delivers more substantial and sustained IOP reduction compared to single-drug treatments that have been the standard of care until now.
Addressing Patient Adherence Challenges
One of the most significant barriers to effective glaucoma management is patient adherence to treatment regimens. The condition requires long-term therapy, and many patients struggle with consistently applying multiple eye drops.
"This innovation integrates two distinct mechanisms of action to improve glaucoma treatment. By enhancing efficacy and ease of use, we aim to offer a more practical and patient-friendly solution," said Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals.
The single-drop formulation significantly simplifies treatment, potentially improving compliance and reducing the risk of disease progression and vision loss.
Ocular Hypertension Management
The combination therapy also addresses ocular hypertension, a condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure without detectable optic nerve damage or visual field loss. Many eye care professionals consider ocular hypertension a precursor or warning sign for glaucoma.
Regular monitoring and management of ocular hypertension are crucial preventive measures, as the condition can lead to optic nerve damage if left untreated.
Manufacturing and Availability
Sandeep Jain, also a Managing Director at Akums, emphasized the importance of this development: "With the rising prevalence of glaucoma in India, introducing therapies that enhance efficacy and patient compliance is crucial. This launch marks a significant step in making high-quality and effective treatment more accessible."
Akums will manufacture the new therapy at its state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring consistent supply and widespread availability across India. The company's commitment to the "Make in India" initiative is reflected in this development of a high-quality solution aligned with global standards.
Clinical Significance
The combination therapy represents a substantial improvement over existing treatments by:
- Providing more effective IOP control through dual mechanisms
- Simplifying treatment regimens with a single drop
- Potentially improving long-term outcomes through better patient adherence
- Reducing the risk of vision loss and disease progression
For patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, this advancement offers a more convenient and potentially more effective option for preserving vision and maintaining quality of life.
