FDA approves Simbrinza (Alcon/Novartis) for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension treatment

The FDA has given approval for Simbrinza Suspension, from Alcon/Novartis, indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.Elevated IOP is the only modifiable risk factor for Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to progressive damage of the optic nerve and can result in gradual, irreversible loss of vision, and eventually blindness, if left untreated. Glaucoma affects more than 2.2 million Americans and is the second-leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

Simbrinza is a fixed-dose combination medication that offers a wide range of treatment possibilities due to its strong efficacy and ability to decrease elevated IOP by 21- 35%. In addition, it is the only available, fixed-dose combination therapy for glaucoma in the US without a beta blocker.