Rho Kinase Inhibitors for Glaucoma

In this interview from AGS 2017, Dr. Jason Bacharach discusses the latest on an exciting new class of glaucoma drug that works on the trabecular meshwork. Netarsudil (Aerie Pharmaceuticals) is a Rho kinase inhibitor that lowers IOP in 3 ways. By inhibiting Rho kinase, it relaxes the cells of the meshwork and inner walls of Schlemm’s canal, increasing outflow. It also decreases inflow by inhibiting norepinephrine transporter. And it has been shown to lower episcleral venous pressure. If approved, it will be the first new class of glaucoma medication in more than 20 years.