FDA approves Allergan's glaucoma drug

IRVINE, Calif. Allergan has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for Combigan 0.2 percent/ 0.5 percent.

The drug is used for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who require adjunctive or replacement therapy due to inadequately controlled intraocular pressure.

“There is no cure for glaucoma; however, lowering elevated IOP can slow the progression of the disease and help prevent further vision loss,” said E. Randy Craven, director of Glaucoma Consultants of Colorado and associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Many patients require more than one medication to meet their target IOP. With Combigan, it is exciting to be able to offer patients two strong agents in one bottle.”

Glaucoma affects an estimated 65 million worldwide, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The drug will launch during the fourth quarter of 2007.