BAK-free latanoprost: safe and effective

The first data on Nova21027 (Novagali Pharma), a benzalkonimum chloride (BAK)-free latanoprost cationic emulsion, have been announced at this year's Scientific Meeting of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (AOPT) in Salzburg, Austria.

Professor Christophe Baudouin, of the Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, Paris, France investigated the ocular surface toxicity of Nova21027 and compared the results with those of a BAK-containing anti-glaucoma eye drop.

Nova21027, which is stable at room temperature, demonstrated both safety and efficacy. The formula was found to have reduced ocular surface toxicity compared with the BAK-containing drops: it was well tolerated and did not damage the ocular surface under conditions of stress.

Novagali will present more data on Nova21027 at the 2009 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in May.