Santen launches Rhopressa® ophthalmic solution 0.02% (netarsudil mesylate), in South Korea, for the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

November 1, 2024, Osaka, Japan – Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter Santen) today announced that Santen Pharmaceutical Korea Co., Ltd. launched Rhopressa^® ophthalmic solution 0.02% (netarsudil mesylate), in South Korea, following its national health insurance listing on October 1, 2024. South Korea is the first market in Santen’s Asia business region* to launch Rhopressa^®. This product has been launched in UK and Sweden as Rhokiinsa^®.

Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to visual field loss. It is a major cause of visual impairment (including decreased vision and blindness) in many countries. Since the disease is progressive and irreversible, early detection and treatment to control progression and visual field loss is crucial. The number of people living with glaucoma worldwide is expected to reach an estimated 111.8 million in 2040.¹ Glaucoma cases in Asia including Japan and Korea are expected to exceed 80 million by 2040. ² Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be the only evidence-based means for inhibiting the progression of visual field loss caused by glaucoma.

Rhopressa^®, is a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.³ Once-daily Rhopressa^® lowers IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor by relaxing the trabecular meshwork, which is the main route for aqueous humor drainage. It has also been demonstrated to lower episcleral venous pressure. ^4,5

“This is a pivotal moment for Santen and the Korean team who are launching Rhopressa^®. It demonstrates Santen’s commitment to delivering new treatment options for glaucoma, to patients around the world. Clinical evidence has shown that Rhopressa^® reduces IOP which indicates another step forward in the medical management of glaucoma,” commented Peter Sallstig, Chief Medical Officer, Santen.

As a specialized company dedicated to eye health, Santen seeks to contribute to the improved quality of life of glaucoma patients by providing more treatment options to the medical community.

References

1. Tham Y-C et al. Ophthalmology. 2014:121(11):2081-2090.
2. Chan EW, et al. Br J Ophthalmol 2016;100:78–85.
3. Rhopressa^® ophthalmic solution 0.02% product information https://nedrug.mfds.go.kr/.
4. Ren R et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57(14):6197-6209.
5. Sit A, et al. Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226: 262–269.

About Santen
As a specialized company dedicated to eye health, Santen aspires to contribute to the realization of “Happiness with Vision” by providing products and services to patients, consumers, and medical professionals around the world. Since its establishment, and guided by its CORE PRINCIPLE, “Tenki ni sanyo suru,” Santen has been committed to helping people maintain and improve their eye health for more than 130 years. Santen is engaged in the global research and development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products in the field of eye care, supporting the eye health of approximately 50 million people in more than 60 countries and regions worldwide. Santen’s mission is to provide essential and significant value to patients and society in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases through products and services created from its expertise in the ophthalmology field and from the patient's perspective. To create a future in which as many patients as possible can lead happy and fulfilling lives, Santen is committed to doing its utmost to realize a society in which people around the world can experience “Happiness with Vision.”
For more information, please visit Santen’s website https://www.santen.com/en.

Contact
Corporate Communications
Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
E-mail: communication@santen.com