Aequus Highlights Study Indicating Vistitan as the Most Effective Treatment for Glaucoma

Oct 17, 2019

VANCOUVER, BC October 17, 2019 – Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”) today acknowledged the research results presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in San Francisco that revealed bimatoprost 0.03%, branded as PrVistitanTM  and promoted by Aequus in Canada, as the most efficacious topical treatment currently available for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in terms of intraocular pressure. The study, conducted by Dr. Paul Harasymowycz and his team, assessed the comparative efficacy of latanoprostene bunod to other treatments for intraocular pressure reduction at three months. The study concluded that bimatoprost 0.03% is the most successful in decreasing intraocular pressure, and therefore reducing glaucoma risk.1  

“In treating a disease where every millimetre of ocular pressure control is important, the data continues to support the use of Vistitan over the competition due to its effective bimatoprost 0.03% formulation,” said Ian Ball, CCO of Aequus. “This study adds to a growing body of evidence that Vistitan, the only bimatoprost 0.03% formulation currently marketed in Canada, is the most effective product available for treating glaucoma and is the cornerstone of our rapidly expanding ophthalmology franchise in Canada.”

Bimatoprost 0.03% is a prostaglandin approved for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Vistitan is currently the only marketed version of 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for this indication in Canada and demonstrates the best ratio of safety to efficacy for this strength of the molecule. Aequus began Canadian promotional activities for Vistitan in May 2016, on behalf of its partner.

  1. Harasymowycz PJ, Royer C, Jobin Gervais K, et al. Effectiveness of latanoprostene bunod in treating OAG and OHT: network meta-analysis. Presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2019 Annual Meeting; October 12-15, 2019; San Francisco, California. Abstract PO176.

ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V:AQS) (OTCQB:AQSZF) is a growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus has grown its pipeline to include several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant, and a development stage pipeline in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. As a complement to its focus in neurology, our most recent addition to the development pipeline was a long-acting form of medical cannabis, where there is a high need for a consistent, predictable and pharmaceutical-grade delivery of products for patients. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada alongside its current portfolio of marketed established medicines and will look to form strategic partnerships that would maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Aequus plans to build on its Canadian commercial platform through the launch of additional products that are either created internally or brought in through an acquisition or license; remaining focused on highly specialized therapeutic areas. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca

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