Major New and Near-Future Glaucoma Therapies (2025)
What it is: Small biodegradable implants placed inside the eye’s anterior chamber that slowly release prostaglandin or other pressure-lowering drugs for months or even years. This helps reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops.
Examples and Status:
iDose TR (travoprost intracameral implant): FDA-approved in late 2023 and commercially launched in 2024. It delivers long-term medication directly inside the eye.
DURYSTA® (bimatoprost implant): FDA-approved in 2020 and designed to dissolve over several months, effectively lowering eye pressure.
Philippines Availability:
These implants are relatively new. Access may depend on whether local distributors register the products. Major eye centers and glaucoma specialists in the Philippines perform MIGS and other implant-based treatments, so it’s best to inquire directly with hospitals.
What it is: Biodegradable micro-implants that deliver glaucoma drugs steadily over 6 to 12 months.
Examples and Status:
PolyActiva PA5108: A biodegradable implant developed in Australia, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for 2024–2025.
Philippines Availability:
Not yet available. Patients can ask their glaucoma specialists about potential participation in future clinical trials.
What it is: A group of modern surgical techniques designed to improve fluid drainage in the eye with less risk and faster recovery than traditional trabeculectomy.
Examples and Status:
OMNI® Surgical System: Combines canaloplasty and trabeculotomy, with studies showing long-term pressure and medication reduction.
iStent, Hydrus, and iStent Infinite: Newer MIGS devices continue to expand globally and are being adopted by more surgeons.
Philippines Availability:
MIGS procedures are already offered at major Philippine eye centers. Patients can ask surgeons about available devices, benefits, and cost.
What it is: Scientists are developing injectable hydrogels, nanoparticle systems, and colloidal depots that release drugs like timolol for weeks or months after a single treatment.
Examples and Status:
Early studies show that timolol-prodrug hydrogels can sustain drug release for up to seven weeks. Other experimental systems are under development in preclinical and early clinical stages.
Philippines Availability:
These treatments are still in the research phase. Patients interested in joining early trials may consult large tertiary hospitals.
What it is: Treatments aimed at protecting or regenerating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerve, rather than just lowering eye pressure. These may include gene therapy using viral vectors, neurotrophic factor delivery, and cell-based regeneration.
Examples and Status:
AAV2-based gene therapies are showing promise in protecting RGCs in early studies.
Several clinical neuroprotection trials are ongoing, though no approved drug is yet part of standard care.
Philippines Availability:
Not yet commercially available. These therapies are still under development in international clinical centers.
6) New Therapies Targeting Episcleral Venous Pressure (EVP)
What it is: Experimental drugs and interventions that lower EVP—one of the limits to how low intraocular pressure can go. Research includes advanced rho-kinase inhibitors and other small molecules now entering early-stage trials.
Quick Summary for Patients in the Philippines
More treatment options are coming soon. MIGS and other modern surgical methods are already offered locally.
Long-acting implants like iDose and Durysta are expected to arrive in more countries soon, including the Philippines once registered.
Research-based therapies such as neuroprotection, gene therapy, and injectable hydrogels are still being studied but show promising results.
Questions to Ask Your Glaucoma Specialist
Am I a candidate for MIGS or intracameral implants such as iDose, Durysta, Hydrus, iStent, or OMNI?
Are there clinical trials nearby for sustained-release or neuroprotective therapies?
If daily drops are difficult, can we explore long-acting or in-office treatment options?
What are the payment options or assistance programs available for new glaucoma devices?
