WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to market Zioptan 0.0015%, which the company said is the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog ophthalmic solution.
The pharmaceutical company said Monday that Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution 0.0015%) is approved for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
According to Merck, open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, and ocular hypertension is a condition characterized by an increase in pressure inside the eye.
Plans call for Zioptan to ship to pharmacies in March.
"Zioptan is the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog," stated David Michelson, M.D., vice president of the neurology and ophthalmic therapeutic area for Merck Research Laboratories. "We are excited to continue Merck’s 50-year tradition of bringing forward additional options to help meet the needs of eye care professionals and their patients."
