Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of Mikeluna combination ophthalmic solution for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The drug is to be co-promoted with Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Mikeluna combination ophthalmic solution is an Otsuka-developed eye drop containing a combination of the non-selective β-blocker cartelol hydrochloride and the prostaglandin analogue latanoprost.
Usually glaucoma is treated initially with a single therapeutic agent and if intraocular pressure is not controlled sufficiently then additional agents are prescribed. However, the requirement to wait between applications of each eye drop may reduce the efficacy of the treatment as dose adherence often decreases. A combination of the two into one formulation would improve adherence.
In addition, Otsuka and Senju have an existing agreement to market Mikelan ophthalmic solution and Mikelan Long-Acting ophthalmic solution, treatments developed by Otsuka for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The new contract reflects the decision to co-promote in Japan from April 2017.