Netarsudil administered daily by intravenous injection to rabbits during organogenesis caused embryofetal lethality and decreased fetal weight at 5 mg/kg/day (1480-fold the plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on Cmax). Malformations were observed at ≥3 mg/kg/day (1330-fold the plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on Cmax), including thoracogastroschisis, umbilical hernia and absent intermediate lung lobe. The NOAEL for embryofetal development toxicity was 0.5 mg/kg/day (214-fold the plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on Cmax).

8.2 Lactation 

 

Risk Summary 

 

There are no data on the presence of RHOPRESSA in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, systemic exposure to netarsudil following topical ocular administration is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], and it is not known whether measurable levels of netarsudil would be present in maternal milk following topical ocular administration.

 

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for RHOPRESSA and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from RHOPRESSA.

 

8.4 Pediatric Use 

 

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 years have not been established.

 

8.5 Geriatric Use 

 

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.

 

11 DESCRIPTION 

Netarsudil is a Rho kinase inhibitor. Its chemical name is (S)-4-(3-amino-1-(isoquinolin-6-yl-amino)-1-oxopropan-2-yl) benzyl 2,4-dimethylbenzoate dimesylate. The molecular formula of the free base is C28H27N3O3 and the molecular formula of the dimesylate is C30H35N3O9S2. The molecular weight of the free base is 453.54 and the molecular weight of the dimesylate is 645.74. The chemical structure is:

 

 Netarsudil structural formula 

 

Netarsudil dimesylate is a light yellow-to-white powder that is freely soluble in water, soluble in methanol, sparingly soluble in dimethyl formamide, and practically insoluble in dichloromethane and heptane.

 

RHOPRESSA (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02% is supplied as a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution of netarsudil dimesylate with a pH of approximately 5 and an osmolality of approximately 295 mOsmol/kg. It is intended for topical application in the eye. Each mL of RHOPRESSA contains 0.2 mg of netarsudil (equivalent to 0.28 mg of netarsudil dimesylate). Benzalkonium chloride, 0.015%, is added as a preservative. The inactive ingredients are: boric acid, mannitol, sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and water for injection.

 

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 

12.1 Mechanism of Action 

 

Netarsudil is a rho kinase inhibitor, which is believed to reduce IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork route. The exact mechanism is unknown.

 

12.3 Pharmacokinetics 

 

Absorption