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Efficacy and Safety of Rho Kinase Inhibitors vs. Beta-Blockers in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Systematic Review
Brenda Nana Wandji1,2, Noélie Bacq1, Adèle Ehongo1
1Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Service d'Ophtalmologie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Rho kinase inhibitors (Rhokis) are clinically non-inferior to beta-blockers for glaucoma treatment. Rhokis demonstrate a better safety profile with fewer systemic side effects, supporting their market positioning.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Glaucoma treatment requires effective and safe therapies.
- Rho kinase inhibitors (Rhokis) are a newer class of drugs for glaucoma.
- Beta-blockers (β-βs) are a traditional standard of care for glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of Rhokis versus β-βs for open-angle glaucoma.
- To support the market positioning of Rhokis in Europe.
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials.
- Searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies.
- Assessed risk of bias and performed random effects meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- Beta-blockers showed statistically better intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, but the difference was not clinically significant.
- Rhokis demonstrated primarily topical adverse effects.
- Beta-blockers were associated with mainly systemic side effects.
Conclusions:
- Rho kinase inhibitors are clinically non-inferior to beta-blockers in reducing IOP.
- Rhokis offer a superior safety profile compared to beta-blockers.
- Findings support the use of Rhokis as a viable treatment option for glaucoma.
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