Thea Pharma Announces FDA Approval of IYUZEH™ for the Reduction of Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Patients with Open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

December 15, 2022 |

11 min read

Thea Pharma, Inc. (“Thea”) today announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the New Drug Application (NDA) of IYUZEH™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

IYUZEH™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% is the first and only preservative-free formulation of latanoprost, the most prescribed prostaglandin F₂_α analogue (PGA) in the United States

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thea Pharma, Inc. (“Thea”), the U.S. subsidiary of Europe’s leading independent pharmaceutical company, Laboratoires Théa, dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of ophthalmic products, today announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the New Drug Application (NDA) of IYUZEH™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

IYUZEH™ is the first and only clinically proven formulation of latanoprost available in the United States that is preservative-free. IYUZEH™ is formulated without any of the preservatives commonly used in topical ocular preparations, including benzalkonium chloride (BAK). IYUZEH™ has demonstrated consistent IOP-lowering effects and proven tolerability across multiple trials in the U.S. and Europe. In randomized, controlled clinical trials of patients with OAG or OHT with mean baseline IOP of 19-24 mmHg, IYUZEH™ lowered IOP by 3 – 8 mmHg versus 4 – 8 mmHg by XALATAN^® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, which is preserved with BAK.

“The approval of IYUZEH™ is a significant milestone for Théa Group, as this is our first FDA approval for a prescription ophthalmic medicine, for our U.S. subsidiary,” said Jean-Frédéric Chibret, President of the Théa Group. “Marketed outside of the U.S. as Monoprost^®, the market leading prostaglandin analogue (PGA) in volume, is available in over 46 countries around the world, including France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada. We are extremely proud to bring our unique preservative-free latanoprost eye drop, IYUZEH™ to the U.S.”

“Our novel patent protected formulation has been made possible by Théa’s innovative scientists. They were able to solve the challenges of solubilizing and stabilizing latanoprost such that IYUZEH does not need to be manufactured, distributed, or stored at refrigerated temperatures unlike some other competitive brand and generic latanoprost and PGA products. Additionally, Théa is responding to an important unmet need across all stakeholders in the treatment of OAG and OHT. Many patients on preserved glaucoma medications experience moderate to severe signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) that can cause discomfort for patients, frustration for physicians, and drive additional costs for payers,” said Susan Benton, Thea’s U.S. President. “We look forward to introducing IYUZEH™ to U.S. eyecare practitioners in the second half of 2023.”

About IYUZEH™

IYUZEH™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, an opalescent, white to slightly yellow ophthalmic solution, is a topical formulation of latanoprost that is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). IYUZEH™ does not contain a preservative – it is the first and only preservative-free formulation of latanoprost, the most prescribed prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGA) in the United States. The recommended dosage of IYUZEH™ is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal. Reduction of the IOP starts approximately 3 to 4 hours after administration and the maximum effect is reached after 8 to 12 hours. IOP reduction is present for at least 24 hours.

In the two clinical trials conducted with IYUZEH™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, the most frequently reported ocular adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia (34%) and eye irritation (19%) compared to XALATAN, the preserved 0.005% latanoprost reference product which reported conjunctival hyperemia (37%) and eye irritation (31%).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost or any other ingredients in this product.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Pigmentation: Topical latanoprost ophthalmic products, including IYUZEH™ have been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. The most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid), and eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as latanoprost is administered.

The pigmentation change is due to increased melanin content in the melanocytes rather than to an increase in the number of melanocytes. After discontinuation of latanoprost, pigmentation of the iris is likely to be permanent, while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased pigmentation. The long-term effects of increased pigmentation are not known.

Iris color change may not be noticeable for several months to years. Typically, the brown pigmentation around the pupil spreads concentrically towards the periphery of the iris and the entire iris or parts of the iris become more brownish. Neither nevi nor freckles of the iris appear to be affected by treatment. While treatment with IYUZEH™ can be continued in patients who develop noticeably increased iris pigmentation, these patients should be examined regularly.

Eyelash Changes: Latanoprost ophthalmic products, including IYUZEH™ may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye; these changes include increased length, thickness, pigmentation, the number of lashes or hairs, and misdirected growth of eyelashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.

Intraocular Inflammation: IYUZEH™ should be used with caution in patients with a history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) and should generally not be used in patients with active intraocular inflammation because inflammation may be exacerbated.

Macular Edema: Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema, has been reported during treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic products, including IYUZEH™. IYUZEH™ should be used with caution in aphakic patients, in pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or in patients with known risk factors for macular edema.

Herpetic Keratitis: Reactivation of herpes simplex keratitis has been reported during treatment with latanoprost. IYUZEH™ should be used with caution in patients with a history of herpetic keratitis. IYUZEH™ should be avoided in cases of active herpes simplex keratitis because inflammation may be exacerbated.

Contact Lens Use: Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of IYUZEH™ and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following adverse reactions have been reported with the use of topical latanoprost products: iris pigmentation changes, eyelid skin darkening, eyelash changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of lashes), intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), and macular edema, including cystoid macular edema.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

The combined use of two or more prostaglandins, or prostaglandin analogs including IYUZEH™ is not recommended. It has been shown that administration of these prostaglandin drug products more than once daily may decrease the IOP lowering effect or cause paradoxical elevations in IOP.

For Full Prescribing Information and for more information about IYUZEH™, please visit https://www.iyuzeh.com.

About Open-angle Glaucoma

The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) states that glaucoma is a common ophthalmic disorder characterized by typical optic nerve damage and vision loss. It is most associated with elevated or dysregulated intraocular pressure (IOP), although there is evidence that other factors contribute to the disease.¹ Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Its prevalence in the United States is approximately 1,900 per 100,000 persons over age forty, and the condition is responsible for upwards of 9 million clinic visits each year.^{2- 4} In the United States, where annual spending on optic nerve disorders is estimated at $5.8 billion annually,⁵ glaucoma is a significant public health concern.

About Ocular Hypertension

Mean IOP slowly rises with increasing age. Age older than 40 years is considered a risk factor for the development of OHT and OAG.⁶ OHT, a common condition, is a leading risk factor for the development of OAG.⁷OHT is defined as IOP consistently greater than 21 mmHg (in at least one eye) and the absence of clinical signs of glaucoma.⁸ The risk of developing glaucoma increases with increasing IOP.⁹ Population studies such as the Framingham, Beaver Dam, Baltimore, Rotterdam, Barbados, and Egna-Neumarkt studies estimate that 4-10% of the population older than 40 years will have IOP levels of 21 mmHg or higher without detectable signs of glaucomatous damage. OHT has a 10-15 times greater prevalence than OAG.¹⁰ The use of topical IOP-lowering medications reduced the risk of glaucoma development from 9.5% in the control group to 4.4% in the intervention group.¹¹

About Théa

Théa is the leading independent European pharmaceutical group in ophthalmology. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, it has thirty-five affiliates & offices in Europe, North and South America, North Africa, and the Middle East. Today, its network includes more than 1,600 employees, and its products are available in 75 countries around the world. In 2021, Théa had global revenues of approximately $773 million. The independent and family-owned and run group, founded from a Research and Development start-up by Henri Chibret, has been chaired since 2008 by Jean-Frédéric Chibret, his nephew. To learn more about Théa, visit https://www.laboratoires-thea.com/en.

About Thea Pharma, Inc.

Established in Lexington, Massachusetts in 2019, Thea Pharma, Inc., is the United States subsidiary of Théa. Its product offering is comprised of a portfolio of seven leading eye-care products that are regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including Zioptan^®, AcellFX™, Cosopt^®, Cosopt^® PF, Azasite^®, Akten^®, and Betimol^®, iVIZIA dry-eye drops and eyelid hygiene products, and now IYUZEH™. By focusing our passion and expertise within the U.S. market, Thea Pharma’s goal is to deliver uncompromising care that allows all stakeholders to envision the future of ophthalmic treatment with eyes wide open. To learn more about Thea Pharma, Inc., visit https://theapharmainc.com.

References:

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2. Friedman DS, Wolfs RC, O’Colmain BJ, et al. Prevalence of open-angle glaucoma among adults in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122(4):532–538. doi:10.1001/archopht.122.4.532.

3. Schappert SM. Office Visits for Glaucoma: United States, 1991-92. Vital and Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Center for Health Statistics. 1995; March, No. 262.

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5. Leske MC, Connell AM, Wu SY, et al. Distribution of intraocular pressure. The Barbados Eye Study. Arch Ophthalmol. 1997 Aug. 115(8):1051-7.

6. Wittenborn JS, Zhang X, Feagan CW, et al. The economic burden of vision loss and eye disorders among the United States population younger than 40 years. Ophthalmology. 2013;120(9):1728–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.01.068.

7. Kass MA, Heuer DK, Higginbotham EJ, et al. Assessment of Cumulative Incidence and Severity of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Among Participants in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study After 20 Years of Follow-up. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2021;139(5):558–566. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.0341

8. Burr JM, Botello-Pinzon P, Takwoingi Y, Hernandez R, Vazquez-Montes M, Elders A, et al. Surveillance for ocular hypertension: an evidence synthesis and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2012;16(29):1-271, iii-iv.

9. Burr JM, Mowatt G, Hernandez R, Siddiqui MAR, Cook J, Lourenco T, et al. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for open angle glaucoma: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2007;11(41):iii-iv, ix-x, 1-190.

10. Chihara E. Assessment of true intraocular pressure: the gap between theory and practical data. Surv Ophthalmol. 2008 May-Jun. 53(3):203-18.

11. Kass MA, Heuer DK, Higginbotham EJ, et al. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: A Randomized Trial Determines That Topical Ocular Hypotensive Medication Delays or Prevents the Onset of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002;120(6):701-713. doi:10.1001/archopht.120.6.701.