European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

NOTEWORTHY EFFECTS OF RIPASUDIL, A RHO-KINASE INHIBITOR, ON OPHTHALMIC PATHOLOGIES

Huma Quadir*, Aswa Gondal, Kshitij Mahajan and Arpit Arora

ABSTRACT

Ripasudil, a rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, is a coil-coiled protein kinase inhibitor that was first approved in Japan in 2014. ROCK has two isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK 2. Their pathway controls myosin-actin interactions and endothelial function. It has since been used to lower ocular pressure (IOP) by increasing aqueous flow accomplishing a better target intraocular pressure as compared to standard available drugs including B-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha 2 agonists, and use of prostaglandins. It has, therefore, been demonstrated as efficacious for the treatment of glaucoma. Due to its activity on tight junctions, it has also been stated useful in treating diabetic macular edema as well as in corneal healing. The efficacy of ripasudil is indirectly related to damage to trabecular meshwork making it less efficacious on irreversible damage and hence, better to start early. Here, we will elaborate on the ophthalmic effects of ripasudil. We also shed light on the side effects of ripasudil use like conjunctival hyperemia and blepharitis.

Keywords: Ripasudil, ROCK inhibitors, Glaucoma, Diabetic macular edema, Intraocular pressure.