Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.'s wholly owned subsidiary, Bausch + Lomb, and Nicox S.A. announced the resubmission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution, 0.024%. Latanoprostene bunod is an intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering single-agent eye drop dosed once daily, for patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

The data submitted in the NDA support latanoprostene bunod as the first nitric-oxide donating prostaglandin F2a analog for ophthalmic use.

Latanoprostene bunod was licensed by Nicox to Bausch + Lomb.

Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution, 0.024% is an IOP-lowering single-agent eye drop dosed once daily for patients with OAG or OHT. In the eye, latanoprostene bunod is metabolized to two moieties. The first, latanoprost acid, is an F2a prostaglandin analog, while the second, butanediol mononitrate, releases nitric oxide, which activates the soluble guanylate cyclase-guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate signaling pathway. Latanoprostene bunod is believed to lower IOP by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral routes.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which can lead to the loss of peripheral vision and eventually total blindness. Glaucoma is frequently linked to abnormally high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, IOP), due to blockage or malfunction of the eye's drainage system. Abnormally high IOP does not cause any symptoms itself, however it can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss over time if left untreated. Drug therapy is used to reduce IOP and therefore prevent further vision loss, typically through either reducing aqueous humor production or by increasing the drainage of intraocular fluid by relaxing certain muscles in the eye. Several large trials have demonstrated that reducing IOP can prevent the progression of glaucoma in both early and late stages of the disease. A significant proportion of patients with elevated IOP require more than one medication to maintain their IOP within target levels, highlighting the need for more effective treatments.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, eye health, neurology and branded generics.  

Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people's eyesight.

Nicox is an international ophthalmic R&D company utilizing innovative science to maintain vision and improve ocular health.