Merck's once-daily, preservative-free ophthalmic medication, Zioptan gets US FDA approval

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merck’s, Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) 0.0015 per cent, the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog ophthalmic solution.

Zioptan (pronounced zye-OP-tan) is approved for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, while ocular hypertension is a condition characterized by an increase in pressure inside the eye.

Zioptan may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye. These changes include increased length, color, thickness, shape and number of lashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.

On April 15, 2009, Merck and Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. entered into a worldwide licensing agreement for tafluprost.

Zioptan is marketed as Saflutan (tafluprost) in certain markets outside the United States.

Tafluprost is marketed under the trademark of Tapros or Taflotan in certain countries where Santen retains commercial rights. Merck provides promotion support to Santen in Germany. Santen has the option to co-promote tafluprost in the United States.