Punctal plug demonstrates proof of concept

QLT Plug Delivery, Inc. has demonstrated proof of concept of its punctal plug drug delivery technology, showing that it is both well tolerated and effective at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).

QLT Plug Delivery is a wholly-owned subsidiary of QLT, Inc.

The open label study evaluated the punctal plug, which elutes latanoprost, in five patients (10 eyes) with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Mean IOP was measured over a 90-day period. Six eyes completed the study; two patients lost plugs, but no serious adverse events were reported.

Mean IOP at baseline was 23 mmHg; 90 days after insertion of the punctal plugs, mean IOP decreased to 17 mmHg.

Patients are now being enrolled in a Phase II randomized, double-masked trial assessing the punctal plug delivery system with low, medium and high doses of latanoprost for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.