D. Western Therapeutics Institute, Inc. (DWTI) has announced that Kowa Co., Ltd., to which DWTI out-licensed its in-house discovered Rho-kinase inhibitor ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate, has commenced sales in Singapore of the glaucoma and ocular hypertension treatment GLA-ALPHA® Combination Ophthalmic Solution (generic name: ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate/brimonidine tartrate), a new fixed combination eye drop.
This drug is the world’s first fixed combination eye drop containing ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Rho-kinase inhibitor GLANATEC® ophthalmic solution 0.4%, and α2-adrenergic agonist brimonidine tartrate. Since the drug has a different site of action than existing combination eye drops, it can be used in combination with various other treatments for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Kowa has been marketing this drug in Japan since December 2022, and sales are steadily increasing. Since receiving approval in Japan, Kowa has been promoting overseas development, and sales began in Thailand and Malaysia in 2025. Kowa is continuing to consider further overseas expansion.
This product will provide patients in Singapore with a new treatment option, contribute to the important control of intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and help improve adherence in patients who require multiple ophthalmic medications.
