Xalatan 0.005 per cent (latanoprost) has been approved by the European Commission for reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of paediatric patients with elevated IOP and paediatric glaucoma.
Pfizer stated that Latanoprost was the first prostaglandin analogue to complete safety and efficacy trials in the paediatric population and be indicated for use in patients aged 18 or under in Europe. The EU Commission's decision follows a recommendation from the European Medicine Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in July 2010.
Steve Winyard from the Royal National Institute of Blind People said: 'Data supporting the use of Xalatan in paediatric patients will help address the challenges of treating glaucoma in children. It is worth noting that most medicines currently prescribed are not approved for this population. Therefore the data-supported extension of Xalatan's therapeutic indication to include paediatric patients is a very positive step forward. While lost vision cannot be restored, it is possible to sustain remaining vision to help children go on to live full, independent lives.'