Théa Pharma Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of France-based Laboratoires Théa, announced the launch of new patient-focused digital resources for IYUZEH (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, indicated to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).
First up: IYUZEH.
FDA-approved in December 2022, IYUZEH (EYE-YOU-ZUH) is marketed as the first and only clinically-proven formulation of preservative-free (PF) latanoprost available within the United States.
The solution made its U.S. launch in September 2023. See here for those details, including an interview with Théa’s Chief Commercial Officer Chris Pearson.
- Interesting facts:
- This formulation was originally approved in the U.S. in 1996 as XALATAN
- See here for 2023 findings from a comparison study between IYUZEH and XALATAN
- In 2023, it launched in Europe under the Monoprost brand (also by Théa) for the same indication and is currently available in 46 countries
- This formulation was originally approved in the U.S. in 1996 as XALATAN
Let’s talk dosing.
A prostaglandin F2α analogue, the formulation is intended as a single dose-administration placed in the eye(s) once daily in the evening. Full prescribing information (PI) can be viewed here.
Efficacy duration: Once administered, IOP reduction could take approximately 3 to 4 hours—with a maximum level of effect taking place after 8 to 12 hours.
Note: From start to finish, IOP reduction remains for at least 24 hours.
Any potential side effects to be aware of?
No serious adverse events (AEs). However:
The two randomized clinical trials IYUZEH’s approval was based on—which reported the eye drop lowered IOP by 3 to 8 mmHg in comparison to 4 to 8 mmHg via benzalkonium chloride (a preservative-formulated solution)—noted the most common AEs:
- Conjunctival hyperemia (34%)
- Eye irritation (19%)
Other notable side effects may include:
- Eye redness/irritation/itching
- Unusual sensations in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
Alrighty then … now about these resources.
Included among Théa’s updated resources is a patient-facing brochure covering basic IYZUEH information for eyecare professionals (ECPs) to review with their patients both before and after their in-office visit.
Key among this information: The prescription filling process (more on that later).
Any other updated resources?
Indeed there are … including a revamped website!
The digital interface features patient-friendly dropdown info such as Why IYUZEH, Using IYUZEH, and IYUZEH Savings.
Break those sections down.
- Why IYUZEH
- Image-friendly descriptions of how IYUZEH lowers IOP, indication details, and important safety information
- Using IYUZEH
- Also image-friendly, this area covers how patients can fit IYUZEH into their daily routines, including:
- best practices
- proper administration
- how to store the eye drops
- Also image-friendly, this area covers how patients can fit IYUZEH into their daily routines, including:
- IYUZEH Savings
- All about patients’ prescription filling options, including:
- home delivery using PhilRx
- local pharmacy pickups using a Théa Savings Card (pending their insurance provider eligibility)
- All about patients’ prescription filling options, including:
This is great! But I have to ask: Why launch these offerings now?
Great question—and one we asked ourselves.
The answer: Théa stated that these resources are a direct response to receiving ECP feedback about simplifying (and visualizing) the prescription filling process over the last 9 months since IYUZEH’s launch.