Mechanism of action: Tafluprost acid form, an active metabolite, showed high affinity for the prostanoid FP receptor (Ki=0.40 nM). Aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys was evaluated using fluorophotometry, two-level constant pressure perfusion and 125I-131I labelled albumin perfusion methods following the repeated administration of 0.005% tafluprost ophthalmic solution once daily for 3 to 5 days. Uveoscleral outflow significantly increased without any change in aqueous production.
Effect on ocular blood flow: A repeated instillation of 0.0015% tafluprost ophthalmic solution into rabbit eyes once daily for 28 days significantly increased the blood flow in the optic nerve head, measured with laser speckle method.
A single dose instillation of 0.0015% tafluprost ophthalmic solution into the eyes of healthy adults significantly increased the blood flow rate in the paraoptic nerve head retinal artery and the blood flow at the paraoptic nerve head retina.
Clinical Studies: In a randomized blind comparative study in 109 patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension using latanoprost ophthalmic solution as a comparator, the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) for this product was 6.6 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 5.8-7.3 mm Hg), which demonstrated non inferiority to the comparator. (See Table 1.)
![](https://mpfshstrg.blob.core.windows.net/mpf-uat-common-resources/Images/monograph/table.gif)
In a randomized blind comparative study in 94 patients with normal tension glaucoma using placebo ophthalmic solution as a comparator, the decrease in IOP for this product was 4.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 3.5-4.5 mmHg), which showed significant IOP lowering effect compared with placebo. (See Table 2.)
![](https://mpfshstrg.blob.core.windows.net/mpf-uat-common-resources/Images/monograph/table.gif)
In a long-term administration study in 351 patients with open angle glaucoma including normal tension glaucoma, or patients with ocular hypertension, the decrease in IOP for this product remained between 4.9 and 5.7 mmHg for 52 weeks, which demonstrated stable IOP lowering effect in long-term administration. IOP decrease was 6.0 - 6.9 mmHg in cohort 1* and 3.4 - 4.0 mm Hg in cohort 2 over 52 weeks.
*Cohort 1: 22-34 mmHg at baseline.
Cohort 2: 16-21 mmHg at baseline. (See figure.)
![](https://mpfshstrg.blob.core.windows.net/mpf-uat-common-resources/Images/monograph/table.gif)