Thea Pharma launches Zolymbus in the US as preservative-free bimatoprost gel

Gel formulation and efficacy

According to a new announcement from Thea Pharma Inc, Zolymbus (bimatoprost ophthalmic gel 0.01%; Thea Pharma Inc.) is now available in the United States as a preservative-free prostaglandin analog for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.¹

Chronic use of preserved ophthalmic formulations, particularly those containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK), has been associated with ocular surface disease, discomfort, and reduced treatment adherence in glaucoma patients.² For optometrists managing patients on long-term IOP-lowering therapy, the availability of a preservative-free prostaglandin analog in a novel gel vehicle adds a meaningful prescribing option.

Zolymbus delivers bimatoprost 0.01% in a preservative-free gel vehicle indicated for once-daily use in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.¹ Bimatoprost acts primarily through enhanced uveoscleral outflow to reduce IOP, with evidence of increased trabecular outflow facility as a secondary mechanism.³ Across multiple observational studies of bimatoprost 0.01%, the formulation demonstrated significant IOP lowering from baseline—with treatment-naïve patients achieving mean reductions of up to 6.5 mmHg (P < 0.0001) in one large multicenter study of more than 10,000 patients.⁴ In a combined analysis of four observational studies (n = 2,593), bimatoprost 0.01% lowered mean IOP by 5.0 mmHg from baseline (P < 0.0001), with individual IOP goals achieved in 75.5% of patients.⁵ Patients switching from prior prostaglandin monotherapy achieved additional mean IOP reductions of 2.9 mmHg (P < 0.0001).⁴ The 0.01% concentration was developed to improve tolerability over the 0.03% formulation while maintaining equivalent IOP-lowering efficacy, confirmed in a 12-month randomized controlled trial.⁴

Safety and OD prescribing

The most common adverse reactions for ZOLYMBUS are conjunctival hyperemia (14%) and eye irritation (11%).¹ Clinicians should counsel patients about the potential for iris pigmentation changes, eyelid skin darkening, and eyelash growth changes with continued use; iris pigmentation changes are likely permanent, while eyelid and lash changes may be reversible upon discontinuation.¹ Bimatoprost-containing products have been associated with intraocular inflammation and should be used with caution in patients with active uveitis, aphakic patients, and those with known risk factors for macular edema.¹ ZOLYMBUS is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or any other product ingredient, and patients wearing contact lenses should remove them prior to instillation and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion.¹ In the combined observational analysis of bimatoprost 0.01%, physicians rated adherence as "better than" or "equal to" prior therapy in 97.2% of patients, and 90.1% of patients rated tolerability as "very good" or "good."⁵ Evidence from preservative-free prostaglandin research supports these findings, with switching to PF formulations shown to improve ocular surface disease signs, patient-reported tolerability, and treatment persistence in longitudinal study.²

"With the launch of ZOLYMBUS, we are introducing more than a new treatment option—we are delivering an innovative solution designed to improve the experience of glaucoma management for both patients and providers," Rob Shilton, Head of Marketing, THEA US said.¹

For optometrists, ZOLYMBUS is a directly prescribable option for adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The preservative-free gel vehicle may be especially relevant for patients with concurrent ocular surface disease, contact lens wearers, or those with prior tolerability concerns with BAK-preserved drops.^1,2 Thea Pharma reports patient access programs are in place to support availability at launch.¹

References:

1. Thea Pharma Inc. ZOLYMBUS (bimatoprost ophthalmic gel) 0.01% launches in the United States. Press release. June 15, 2026. Accessed June 17, 2026. https://theapharmainc.com/news/zolymbus-new-headline/

2. Shulman S, Bhorade S, Bhorade A. Clinical benefits of preservative-free treatment for glaucoma with a focus on preservative-free latanoprost. Ophthalmol Ther. 2025. doi:10.1007/s40123-025-01241-9

3. Seawright AA, Bhatt DK. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576421/

4. Pfennigsdorf S, Ramez O, von Kistowski G, et al. Multicenter, prospective, open-label, observational study of bimatoprost 0.01% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Clin Ophthalmol. 2012;6:739–746. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S31330

5. Stevens A, Iliev ME, de Jong L, Grobeiu I, Hommer A. A combined analysis of four observational studies evaluating the intraocular pressure-lowering ability and tolerability of bimatoprost 0.01% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:635-641. Published 2016 Apr 6. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S89904