Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, is largely caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, such as netarsudil, have a unique mechanism of action relative to other pharmacotherapies aimed at reducing IOP and have been introduced into widespread clinical use in recent years.

This Phase 3 study was designed to compare the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% once daily (QD) to the active comparator, ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate ophthalmic solution 0.4% twice daily (BID), over a 4-week period in Japanese patients.

Netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% dosed QD demonstrated clinically significant efficacy and was superior to ripasudil 0.4% BID in reducing IOP at Week 4 in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).