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.
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| Dr Sung presenting her talk. |
