Alternative Drug Delivery Systems: How Close to Prime Time?

Based on publicly available information, it seems reasonable to predict that the Bimatoprost SR and perhaps the iDose device will complete phase 3 clinical trials in 2019 or 2020 and file new drug applications with the FDA soon thereafter. Other sustained-release platforms will follow over the ensuing several years. Our patients clearly want alternatives to eyedrops, but it is incumbent on us to guide them in the risks and benefits. Glaucoma is for most patients a slowly progressive disease, and for early glaucoma, safety must be the highest priority.