Merck seeks FDA approval for Saflutan

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted an approval application from Merck for a drug to treat eye diseases, Merck said Wednesday.

Merck is seeking approval for Saflutan (tafluprost) ophthalmic solution, an investigational drug for relieving eye pressure in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

“Merck has been providing new therapies to help treat eye diseases for more than 50 years,” said Joseph Markoff, Merck global director for scientific affairs in ophthalmology. “The acceptance of the [new drug approval] submission for tafluprost is an important milestone in our effort to bring forward an additional therapeutic option for patients with primary, open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.”