Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announces the launch today of "AIBETA^® Combination Ophthalmic Solution" (brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate) for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Japan. Activities to provide information on the drug are to be implemented by both Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (marketing authorization holder) and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (alliance partner).

The only evidence-based reliable treatment for glaucoma is to reduce the intraocular pressure. Usually, treatment is started with a single therapeutic agent. Then, if the effect is insufficient, combination therapy is performed. In such a case, it is necessary to consider dose adherence of patients by using a combination ophthalmic solution.

Brimonidine tartrate is an intraocular pressure-lowering agent highly selective for adrenaline α₂ receptor and has been marketed by Senju with a brand name "Aiphagan^® Ophthalmic Solution 0.1%" since May 2012. The new drug is the first combination ophthalmic solution containing brimonidine tartrate in Japan and expected to contribute to improving the adherence of many glaucoma patients who are concomitantly treated with brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate with each separate single formulation.