Santen gets approval of TAPROS in China to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

TAPROS is the Prostaglandin F2a Analogue co-developed by Santen and Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Santen conducted pharmaceutical, nonclinical and clinical development for TAPROS, while Asahi Glass conducted the active pharmaceutical ingredient development. In Japan, TAPROS has been sold since December 2008 as TAPROS Ophthalmic Solution 0.0015%, and is expanded over 60 countries at this time.

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by optic nerve disorder and progressive visual field defects due to increased intraocular pressure or other factors.

Glaucoma is known as one of the leading causes of visual impairment (low vision and blindness). Because the optic nerve disorder and visual field disorder caused by glaucoma are essentially progressive and irreversible, early detection and treatment is required, and treatment of glaucoma is usually intended to lower intraocular pressure.

Santen has sold several kinds of ophthalmic solutions in such as the corneal and conjunctival disease area and the bacterial conjunctivitis area in China. The addition of TAPROS to Santen’s product lineup can be a useful treatment option allowing Santen to further contribute to improvement in patient quality of life.

Santen has no plans to revise its full-year financial forecasts because of the approval of TAPROS.