Preclinical Efficacy of Travoprost, a Potent and Selective FP Prostaglandin Receptor Agonist

Abstract

Travoprost is the isopropyl ester prodrug of a high affinity, selective FP prostaglandin full receptor agonist. In contrast to travoprost acid's high affinity and efficacy at the FP receptor, there is only sub-micromolar affinity for the DP, EP₁, EP₃, EP₄, IP, and TP receptors. Travoprost produced a lower incidence of ocular irritation than PGF_2α isopropyl ester at a dose of 1 μg in the New Zealand albino (NZA) rabbit. Topical ocular application of travoprost produced a marked miotic effect in cats following doses of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.1 μg. In the ocular hypertensive monkey, b.i.d. application of 0.1 and 0.3 μg of travoprost afforded peak reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) of 22.7% and 28.6%, respectively. Topical application of travoprost was well tolerated in rabbits, cats and monkeys, causing no ocular irritation or discomfort at doses up to 1 μg. Travoprost is a promising ocular hypotensive prostaglandin FP derivative that has the ocular hypotensive efficacy of PGF_2α isopropyl ester but with less severe ocular side effects.