Kowa Company, Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan, President & CEO: Yoshihiro Miwa, hereafter referred to as “Kowa”) announced that Phase 3 clinical studies of fixed combination eye drop “Ripasudil Hydrochloride Hydrate” (hereafter referred to as “Ripasudil”), a Rho kinase inhibitor, and Brimonidine tartrate (Developmental code: K-232) have started in Japan.
Kowa is developing Ripasudil as a global product. Ripasudil was launched in December 2014 in Japan (Brand name: GLANATECR ophthalmic solution 0.4%) as the world’s first glaucoma drug with Rho kinase inhibitory activity. In addition, Kowa is developing a Phase 2 clinical studies in the U.S. of Ripasudil for corneal endothelial diseases (developmental code: K-321).
K-232 is expected to improve adherence as the first fixed combination eye drop containing
Ripasudil for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

GLANATECR Ophthalmic Solution 0.4%

GLANATECR Ophthalmic Solution 0.4% includes Ripasudil, as an active ingredient, and lowers intraocular pressure by promoting discharge of aqueous humor through a main outflow via trabecular meshwork-Schlemm’s canal as a result of Rho kinase inhibitory activity
In clinical studies enrolling patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Japan, GLANATECR Ophthalmic Solution 0.4% has been demonstrated to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure as both mono-therapy and adjunctive therapy along with conventional glaucoma and ocular hypertension drugs.