Ophthalmic community perception of new medication needs

AIM:To survey ophthalmologists(who have participated previously in clinical research) and ophthalmic industry professionals(who have been involved in ocular research and development) to indicate perceived needs for new pharmaceuticals in various ophthalmic subspecialties.METHODS:A prospective,industry-based survey was sent to ophthalmologists and ophthalmic industry professionals about the perceived needs for new pharmaceutical products.RESULTS:This survey was sent to 559 ophthalmic pharma professionals and ophthalmologists.We received 82(15%) responses.The results showed that the most commonly perceived need for new pharmaceuticals were dry and wet age-related macular degeneration,glaucoma,diabetic macular edema and dry eye.There was a statistical difference found between response groups(P<0.0001).Respondents indicated they would express their commitment to a new product they perceived as needed by recommending to colleagues(63%),prescribing(60%),participating as principle investigator in a related clinical trial(52%),advising the company(52%),lecturing on behalf of the product(43%),investing in the product(38%),taking no action(7%) or obtain a position in the company(1%).CONCLUSION:Ophthalmic pharma professionals and ophthalmologists perceive the greatest need for new medicines in ophthalmology to be in dry and wet agerelated macular degeneration,glaucoma,diabetic macular edema and dry eye.

Long-term cost and efficacy analysis of latanoprost versus timolol in glaucoma patients in Germany

AIM: To evaluate 5-year effectiveness and cos between latanoprost or timolol monotherapy in a pilot trial.METHODS: A retrospective, multi-center trial performed at 6 sites in Germany of patients who had a diagnosis of primary open-angle or pigmentary glaucoma, in at least one eye, initiated on monotherapy with latanoprost or timolol maleate. Qualified consecutive charts were reviewed in which 5-year efficacy, safety and cost data was abstracted.RESULTS: Seventy-seven latanoprost and 49 timolo patients were included, at the final visit no difference existed between the two groups in disc parameters including: rim area, rim area/disc area ratio, cup volume or vertical cup/disc ratio (P >0.05). There was no difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) between the initial latanoprost (17.4 ±2.6) and timolol (16.3 ±2.8mmHg) groups. There was less change in medicines over the follow-up period (0.1 vs 0.8) and fewer medications at the final visit (1.2 vs 1.8) with latanoprost compared to timolol. No patient treated with latanoprost discontinued therapy during follow-up, while 12% discontinued timolol mostly due to inadequate IOP control. Cost/year was less with initial timolol ($458±236) as compared to latanoprost ($552±202). CONCLUSION: Patients begun on latanoprost o timolol and followed over 5 years may have similar clinical outcomes. However, timolol patients may require more medicines and medicine changes to control IOP for long-term, but at a lower cost.