Latanoprost
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Latanoprost: From Open-Angle Glaucoma to Primary Hereditary Glaucoma
One-Sentence Summary
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin eye drop originally used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for primary hereditary glaucoma, but there are currently 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this prediction, so it rests on model output alone.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension |
| Predicted New Indication | Primary hereditary glaucoma |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.88% |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 13 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Currently, detailed mechanism of action data is not available in the data compiled for this report. Based on general pharmacological knowledge, latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue that lowers intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Its efficacy in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension is established, so it is plausible that it could lower pressure in hereditary glaucomas such as primary congenital glaucoma.
However, this prediction largely overlaps with the drug's existing glaucoma use and is not a true repurposing. Congenital glaucoma is often managed surgically, and paediatric use and efficacy would need dedicated evaluation. The very high TxGNN score (99.88%) is a model prediction only.
Other predicted indications (all L5, no trials or literature):
- Hair-growth disorders (hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp, congenital hypotrichosis milia): the most plausible mechanism beyond glaucoma. Prostaglandin F2-alpha analogues prolong the anagen (growth) phase of hair, and eyelash hypertrichosis is a recognised latanoprost effect. These are rare genetic conditions with no specific supporting data, so they remain research questions.
- Vascular and other conditions (visceral calciphylaxis, arterial/venous/neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, angiodysplasia of stomach, blue toe syndrome, lymphangiectasis): no clear mechanistic link. Topical ophthalmic latanoprost has minimal systemic exposure, so these predictions are likely driven by network similarity. Hold.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Singapore Market Information
Thirteen valid licences are registered in Singapore, none cancelled. Approved indication text is not listed for these licences. The main authorisations are:
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN09549P | Xalatan Eye Drops 0.005% | Solution | Originator product (Pfizer) |
| SIN16849P | Latano Santen Ophthalmic Solution 0.005% w/v | Solution, sterile | Latanoprost alone |
| SIN15884P | Latanoprost TOA Ophthalmic Solution 0.005% w/v | Solution, sterile | Latanoprost alone |
| SIN11922P | Xalacom Eye Drops | Solution | Latanoprost-containing product (the Xalacom/Lata-T/Latochek-T names suggest timolol combinations) |
| SIN16818P | Rocklatan Ophthalmic Solution 0.02% / 0.005% w/v | Solution, sterile | Latanoprost-containing product (Rocklatan is a netarsudil combination) |
Safety Considerations
- Conditions flagged as contraindications in the knowledge graph (not taken from label text): uveitis, panuveitis, iritis, iris disease, ciliary body disease, macular retinal edema, cystoid macular edema, conjunctivitis (including acute contagious conjunctivitis).
- Drug interactions: 100 potential interactions were identified, but none has an assigned severity level. Examples include calcitriol, glimepiride, doxycycline, atropine, metformin, prednisone, triamcinolone and simvastatin. Clinical significance needs to be confirmed against the package insert.
Please refer to the package insert for warnings and label contraindications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction is supported only by a model score, with no trials or literature. The leading prediction, hereditary glaucoma, largely overlaps with latanoprost's approved use. The hair-growth predictions are mechanistically plausible but unproven, and the vascular predictions have no clear rationale.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Package insert warnings and contraindications from the HSA
- Mechanism of action data from DrugBank
- Literature and trial searches for paediatric or congenital glaucoma, and for prostaglandin analogues in hypotrichosis
- Assessment of safety in children and of the knowledge-graph contraindicated conditions
- Review of the interaction severity levels
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.