An investigational intraocular lens that elutes bimatoprost lowered intraocular pressure as effectively as standard treatment in patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma, according to 12-month results from a randomized trial presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
In the phase I/II trial, 104 patients were randomized to one of two bimatoprost-eluting lens doses or a standard lens plus timolol eye drops. At 12 months, mean IOP reductions at 8 a.m. were 8.85 mm Hg with the higher dose, 11.36 mm Hg with the lower dose, and 9.14 mm Hg with timolol; both lens groups met noninferiority criteria. Percentage reductions ranged from 34.44% to 42.16% at 8 a.m. and 33.30% to 39.93% at 10 a.m., with no significant differences among groups.
The lens carries two pads containing 39 µg of bimatoprost each, designed to release drug continuously over three years. The approach aims to address poor adherence to daily eye drops, which has been reported at 30–50% and up to 80%. The device also preserves the angle for future minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and the investigator noted that MIGS adoption has been limited to about 40%. Safety profiles were similar across groups, and almost all patients did not require additional glaucoma medication. Phase III trials have begun.