Effects of 0.02% netarsudil ophthalmic solution on intraocular pressure of normotensive dogs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of QD or BID 0.02% netarsudil ophthalmic solution (Aerie Pharmaceuticals) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive dogs and to describe any adverse effects. ANIMALS STUDIED: Normotensive Labrador retriever dogs were included in this study: 10 received netarsudil in one eye and artificial tears in the contralateral eye QD, and 10 received netarsudil in one eye and artificial tears in the contralateral eye BID. PROCEDURES: Intraocular pressure curves were acquired over a 3-day acclimation period, 5-day dosing period (QD or BID-10 dogs/group), and 3-day recovery period. Toxicity was assessed daily using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and the semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring system. RESULTS: Once-daily dosing did not lower IOP over the entire 5-day dosing period (95% CI 0.1 to -0.9&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.20) or on the last day of dosing (95% CI 0.4 to -0.9&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.65). Twice-daily dosing resulted in a statistically significant, but clinically unimportant, IOP reduction over the entire 5-day dosing period (-0.6&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg; 95% CI 0.05 to -1.1&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.02) and on the last day of dosing (-0.9&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg; 95% CI 0.2 to -1.5&#xa0;mm&#xa0;Hg, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.003). Adverse events were limited to transient mild-to-moderate conjunctival hyperemia during the dosing phase in eyes receiving netarsudil vs control (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution twice daily resulted in a small, statistically significant, but clinically unimportant, IOP reduction in normotensive dogs. Future studies should investigate efficacy in glaucomatous dogs.