Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 1 , Pages S5-S11, March 2004

Update on the mechanism of action of bimatoprost: a review and discussion of new evidence☆

  • Achim H.-P. Krauss, PhD
    • ,
  • David F. Woodward, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: David F. Woodward, PhD, Biological Sciences RO-2C, Allergan Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612-1531.

Allergan, Inc, Irvine, California, USA

Abstract 

Bimatoprost is a pharmacologically unique and highly efficacious anti-glaucoma agent. It appears to mimic the activity of the prostamides, which are biosynthesized from the natural endocannabinoid anandamide by the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2). Bimatoprost has also been suggested to lower intraocular pressure by behaving as a prodrug or, alternatively, by stimulating FP receptors directly. These three distinctly different hypotheses for the mechanism of bimatoprost activity are discussed in the light of current evidence.

Keywords: bimatoprost, glaucoma, intraocular pressure, metabolism, prostaglandin, prostamide

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☆ Drs. Krauss and Woodward are employees of Allergan, Inc.

PII: S0039-6257(03)00189-9

doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2003.12.014

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 2, Supplement 1 , Pages S5-S11, March 2004

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