Merck (MRK) Gets FDA Approval for ZIOPTAN
Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZIOPTAN (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) 0.0015%, the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog ophthalmic solution. ZIOPTAN (pronounced zye-OP-tan) is approved for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, while ocular hypertension is a condition characterized by an increase in pressure inside the eye.
ZIOPTAN may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye. These changes include increased length, color, thickness, shape and number of lashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.
The FDA approval of ZIOPTAN was based on efficacy and safety results from five controlled clinical studies of up to two years in 905 patients. Both preservative-containing and preservative-free formulations of tafluprost were used in these clinical studies.
ZIOPTAN was shown to have powerful IOP-lowering effects. In clinical studies of up to two years in duration, ZIOPTAN, dosed once-daily in the evening lowered IOP at 3 and 6 months by 6-8 mmHg and 5-8 mmHg respectively, from a baseline pressure of 23-26 mmHg (mmHg = millimeters of mercury, a measurement of fluid pressure in the eye).
Get immediate access to market moving news and alerts with StreetInsider.com Premium - FREE TRIAL!
ZIOPTAN may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye. These changes include increased length, color, thickness, shape and number of lashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.
The FDA approval of ZIOPTAN was based on efficacy and safety results from five controlled clinical studies of up to two years in 905 patients. Both preservative-containing and preservative-free formulations of tafluprost were used in these clinical studies.
ZIOPTAN was shown to have powerful IOP-lowering effects. In clinical studies of up to two years in duration, ZIOPTAN, dosed once-daily in the evening lowered IOP at 3 and 6 months by 6-8 mmHg and 5-8 mmHg respectively, from a baseline pressure of 23-26 mmHg (mmHg = millimeters of mercury, a measurement of fluid pressure in the eye).
Get immediate access to market moving news and alerts with StreetInsider.com Premium - FREE TRIAL!
You May Also Be Interested In
- Pfizer (PFE) Axitinib Gets Positive Opinion from CHMP EMA
- Blood Sugar Basics Game Plan Now Available to Help Patients Tackle Type 2 Diabetes
- HeartWare (HTWR) Publishes Encouraging Data from ADVANCE in Advanced Heart Failure
Create E-mail Alert Related Categories
Corporate News, FDASign up for StreetInsider Free!
Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!

Down)