IYUZEH lowers IOP without disrupting the tear film.

Paula Newsome, OD, is eagerly awaiting the imminent arrival of IYUZEH (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% — and not just because she is an optometrist. As someone who lives with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), Dr. Newsome empathizes with patients who must endure the pain and eye redness that often accompany prostaglandin drops formulated with preservatives.

“I have patients who work at some of the bank headquarters right down the street from me, and one of the issues for them is their eyes appearing red when they go to work the next morning,” says Dr. Newsome, an optometrist at Advantage Vision Center in Charlotte, N.C. “Most of the other drops sting upon instillation, and I’m so looking forward to when I can use preservative-free drops that do not have the same sting and/or redness.”

She adds that many patients with POAG also suffer from dry eye syndrome. “Just having the ability to lower IOP without disrupting the tear film and ocular surface is just going to be a super game changer — not just for me as a patient, but for me as a prescriber.”

CLINICAL DATA

Approved by the FDA in December 2022, IYUZEH is indicated for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with POAG or ocular hypertension. According to Thea Pharma Inc., the drug’s maker, it is the first and only clinically proven version of latanoprost formulated without any of the preservatives commonly used in topical ocular preparations, including benzalkonium chloride (BAK). The once-daily drop is taken in the evening.

According to Chris Pearson, chief commercial officer of Thea Pharma, IYUZEH has demonstrated its effectiveness in seven studies in a total of 3,746 patients.

“In a randomized, controlled clinical trial of patients with a lower mean baseline IOP of 19-24 mm Hg, IYUZEH [demonstrated] a mean IOP-lowering effect of 3-8 mm Hg. In the US clinical trial, the mean baseline was 19 mm Hg for IYUZEH and 19.2 mm Hg for XALATAN [latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005%, Viatris] compared with 24.1 mm Hg for IYUZEH in the European clinical trial,” Mr. Pearson says.

In two US clinical trials, the most frequently reported ocular adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia (34%, n=129) and eye irritation (19%, n=72), he adds.

WARM WELCOME EXPECTED

Like Dr. Newsome, Jason Bacharach, MD, who participated in one of the pivotal trials, is also looking forward to offering IYUZEH, which is expected to become available in September. Noting the drug’s low rate of adverse effects and extremely low drop-out rate, Dr. Bacharach says he expects IYUZEH to receive an enthusiastic welcome from patients.

“This will provide an agent with improved tolerability while maintaining similar efficacy to preserved latanoprost. Having a preservative-free option is particularly beneficial for younger patients who will have years of treatment in front of them,” says Dr. Bacharach, an ophthalmologist at North Bay Eye Associates in Petaluma, Calif. “These benefits may manifest in improved compliance, which is one of the biggest challenges we face in treating POAG.”

NO REFRIGERATION NEEDED

Another benefit to IYUZEH is that the medication does not require refrigeration at either the practice or the patient’s home. The drops are stable at room temperature, making storage easier and more convenient, according to the company. Single-dose containers may be stored in the opened foil pouch for up to 30 days at room temperature.

Eye-care providers who are prescribing IYUZEH will need to share this guidance with patients and have confidence that they understand and can adhere to it.

“The main thing patients need to remember is the open date for the foil pouch, so it is recommended that they write it down,” Mr. Pearson says. “Patients simply discard any unused containers 30 days after they first opened the pouch. Storing at room temperature adds one less step with each use and allows for more consistency and peace of mind.”

However, patients can refrigerate the drops if they prefer. Owing to aging and other factors, Dr. Newsome explains, some patients can lose sensation in one or both eyes over time, preventing them from knowing for certain whether they have instilled enough medication. Refrigeration can help overcome this obstacle.

“If you have any neurosensory diminution, cold is one of the last things to go, so you’re going to feel cold drops,” she says.

ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY

Thea Pharma has partnered with PhilRx to help ensure that both eye-care professionals and patients have an easy way to access the drug. Designed to transform patient access, Thea says the PhilRx platform yields the highest rates of adherence and covered dispenses with seamless physician and patient experience, simplified prior authorization, a national dispensing network, wholesale distribution, and real-time HIPAA compliant data and actionable insights.

PhilRx is a complimentary shipping service that delivers the medication directly to the patient’s home (full details, including terms and conditions, are available at iyuzeh.com ). The Thea Savings Card is available to patients who are commercially insured and not enrolled in a state or federally funded program. Additionally, Thea offers an enhanced patient assistance program to support patients with a demonstrated financial need and limited or no health insurance.

“With these programs, we aim to allow every qualified patient the chance to see their treatment options with eyes wide open,” says Mr. Pearson. OM.