Glaucoma fixed combination approved by EMEA

Azarga (brinzolamide 10 mg/ml and timolol 5 mg/ml fixed combination) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension after failure of monotherapy, according to an announcement from Alcon, Azarga’s manufacturer.

A clinical trial has demonstrated that Azarga is as safe as, but more effective than, either of its constituent components, brinzolamide and timolol. Two separate studies showed that Azarga is as safe as Cosopt (timolol/dorzolamide fixed combination; Merck), but is better tolerated and more comfortable for patients. In another study, 79% of patients expressing a preference preferred Azarga to Cosopt. Azarga will be available in Europe early this year.