Sunday, July 24, 2016

ALLERGAN launches LUMIGAN 0.01% in MALAYSIA

It was a privilege to attend the launch of Lumigan (Bimatoprost) 0.01% by the leading pharmaceutical company Allergan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 22nd July 2016.
The launch coincided with the introduction of 2 more medications by the company, namely: Optive Fusion (Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and others) and Zymaxid (Gatifloxacin 0.5%).

The Lumigan launch was highlighted by a talk given by Dr Sung Kyung-rim, from Korea's famous Asan Medical Center 

Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are potent agents for IOP control. They act by increasing the uveo-scleral (unconventional outflow) as well as trabecular outflow, to some extent. 
However, among a number of side-effects seen in this group of agents are conjunctival hyperemia, elongation of eyelashes,  possible changes in iris color and eyelid skin, stinging, blurred vision, itching and burning.
These side-effects may lead to intolerance and poor compliance by the patients and may even force them to stop treatment. 
In such a scenario, low dose PGAs such as Lumigan 0.01% (instead of the higher strength Lumigan 0.03%) may reduce these side-effects and improve patient's acceptance of these medications.
A number of studies comparing Lumigan 0.03% versus 0.01% found significant reduction in the ocular discomfort levels with the low dose bimatoprost.


Dr Sung presenting her talk.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

The 3rd Asia Pacific Glaucoma Congress, Chiang Mai, Thailand


The 3rd APGC was held in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai from 14-16th July 2016. It was a useful experience interacting with the top glaucoma specialists from across the Asia-Pacific and USA-Europe. 






NANO-CARRIERS FOR GLAUCOMA

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