Timolol Maleate

Bausch + Lomb’s BL1107 glaucoma Phase II trial failed to replicate earlier visual function signals in primary open-angle glaucoma, a setback that closes the topical eye drop program but leaves the company’s broader neuroprotective ambitions intact through a pivot to a sustained-release implant for geographic atrophy. The Phase II study (NCT07168902) enrolled 159 adults with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in a randomized, double-masked, three-arm, parallel-group design comparing BL1107 against timolol maleate 0.5%. The primary endpoint — change from baseline in visual field mean deviation at Day 28 — was not met, and key secondary endpoints assessing visual function, including low-luminance best-corrected visual acuity responder rates, were also not achieved. One secondary endpoint was met: a reduction in intraocular pressure at Day 28, which the company described as evidence of ocular target engagement. No quantitative data were disclosed. The safety profile was consistent with prior BL1107 clinical experience, with no new safety signals identified. The trial was designed to confirm visual function improvements observed in a smaller Phase I/IIa study following 28 days of topical administration. The Phase II enrolled 159 patients, and the data represent a complete topline readout rather than an interim analysis. No efficacy data by treatment arm were reported, and the company did not disclose individual dose levels for BL1107 across the three study arms. Bausch + Lomb (NYSE/TSX: BLCO acquired Whitecap Biosciences in 2025 primarily to develop BL1107 — originally designated WB007 — as a sustained-release implant for geographic atrophy, a late-stage complication of age-related macular degeneration that causes progressive central vision loss. The glaucoma neuroprotection program was pursued in parallel as a secondary strategic objective. Following the Phase II failure, the company said it will discontinue the topical eye drop program entirely and focus on the GA implant, with clinical trials anticipated to begin in 2028 in collaboration with Ripple Therapeutics, whose polymer-free controlled-release technology underpins the delivery platform. BL1107’s mechanism of action has not been fully disclosed publicly, though the asset is characterized as a small molecule with alpha-2 adrenergic agonist properties, a class with established IOP-lowering and proposed neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. BL1107’s failure to replicate even a directional visual field signal at Day 28 in a large, adequately powered cohort raises questions about whether the earlier Phase I/IIa findings reflected a true treatment effect or were subject to small-sample variability. For IOP reduction specifically, netarsudil 0.02% (Rhopressa), a Rho kinase inhibitor, achieved non-inferior IOP lowering to twice-daily timolol in the pivotal ROCKET program, illustrating the competitive standard BL1107 faced on that secondary measure. Cross-trial comparisons are limited by differences in study design, duration, and patient populations. The outcome is consistent with a broader pattern in glaucoma neuroprotection research, where preclinical and small-study signals have repeatedly failed to translate into statistically significant visual field benefits in larger trials. The field has yet to produce an approved neuroprotective agent, and BL1107’s Phase II result does not alter that landscape. Bausch + Lomb’s decision to discontinue the topical program while preserving the sustained-release implant reflects a calculation that the GA opportunity — a larger and less crowded indication — justifies continued investment in the molecule through a different delivery format, even absent confirmatory glaucoma efficacy data. This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed and edited by the AllSci editorial team Explore more at AllSci News: https://allsci.com/news/ Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website Privacy Terms About Us Copyright © 2026. AllSci Corp. All rights reserved.

ROCHESTER, Minn., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanodropper today announced results from a randomized clinical trial demonstrating that microvolume eyedrop delivery using the Nanodropper adaptor achieved greater intraocular pressure reduction, fewer adverse effects, and significantly reduced premature bottle exhaustion compared with conventional eyedrops in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Continue Reading The study, "Real-world efficacy, safety, and usability of a microvolume eyedrop delivery device in glaucoma: a prospective randomized crossover trial," was published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and evaluated real-world use of microdrops delivered via the Nanodropper Adaptor compared to conventional drops. Study: Nanodropper reduces bottle waste by 80% and improves pressure control in glaucoma vs standard drops. Post this Key Study Findings In the prospective, examiner-masked, randomized crossover trial, adults with stable primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension using either latanoprost 0.005% or timolol maleate 0.5% monotherapy self-administered conventional drops or Nanodropper microdrops for 12 weeks before switching treatments. Results showed clear advantages for microvolume delivery: Superior intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction: Microdrops: 1.6 mm Hg reduction from baseline Conventional drops: 0.13 mm Hg reduction 80% reduction in premature bottle exhaustion: 83% of patients ran out of drops early with conventional bottles Only 17% experienced early exhaustion using Nanodropper Fewer reported side effects: 83% of patients reported adverse effects with conventional drops 62% reported adverse effects with microdrops Most study participants also reported that the Nanodropper device was easy to administer and helped prevent medication waste. Addressing a Major Challenge in Glaucoma Treatment Although the eye can retain only 7–10 microliters of fluid, conventional eyedrops typically deliver 25–60 microliters per drop, resulting in overflow, wasted medication, and increased systemic exposure. By reducing drop volume, the Nanodropper adaptor increases the number of usable doses per bottle and may help patients avoid interruptions in therapy caused by running out of medication early. Study authors concluded that microdrop delivery using the Nanodropper adaptor improved intraocular pressure reduction while decreasing premature bottle exhaustion and non-systemic adverse effects, suggesting the technology may enhance medication adherence and long-term glaucoma management. "These findings are very encouraging, adding to the growing body of evidence that supports the use of microdrops for instillation of a wide variety of eyedrop medications, including in the at-home setting," said Dr. Eric Grewal, Medical Director of Nanodropper and a key author on the study. "The additional reduction in IOP achieved with the Nanodropper for subjects already on standard treatment suggests that microdrops could maximize pressure control from existing regimens, potentially delivering extra therapeutic benefit even without medication changes or escalation of therapy." "We are pleased to see the Nanodropper validated as a low-cost solution for delivering IOP-lowering medications and defraying premature bottle exhaustion," adds Dr. Allisa Song, Chief Executive Officer of Nanodropper. "Every bit of pressure control matters for patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension." The full journal article can be viewed using the following link: About Nanodropper Nanodropper develops precision microvolume delivery technology designed to reduce eyedrop size, minimize medication waste, and improve patient usability in ophthalmic treatments. Nanodroppers are available for patients, clinics and doctors to purchase at Nanodropper.com Media Contact: Ariana Rodriguez Marketing Manager [email protected] SOURCE Nanodropper 21% more press release views with Request a Demo