_ Research & development Pipeline K-877 Pemafibrate K-321 Ripasudil K-321 Ripasudil Pipeline Ripasudil (K-321) is a rho-kinase inhibitor. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) is a protein which regulates the shape and movement of cells in a number of tissues, including the eye. It is known that ripasudil is absorbed into the eye when it is applied as eye-drops, because one of the effects of rho-kinase inhibitors is to reduce intraocular pressure, and ripasudil is approved under the trade name GLANATEC® as a treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in some countries, including Japan and South Korea. One of the other effects of ripasudil is that it can increase the mobility of corneal endothelial cells and their number when maintained in culture. K-321 is a different formulation of ripasudil from Glanatec and if it has the same effects on corneal endothelial cells in the eye as it does on cells in culture, may prove to be a novel potential treatment for Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). It is currently under investigation to be used as an adjunct to healing following Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) surgery as a treatment for FECD. (Phase 2 trial in FECD patients) FAQs WHAT IS FUCH’S ENDOTHELIAL CORNEAL DYSTROPHY (FECD)? WHAT TREATMENTS ARE THERE FOR ENDOTHELIAL DYSTROPHY? HOW DOES RIPASUDIL HELP PATIENTS WITH FECD? WHAT TRIALS ARE RUNNING WITH RIPASUDIL? WHAT IS THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT STAGE OF K-321? MAKE AN ENQUIRY Work with us For more information on our partnership opportunities please get in touch Latest publications Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction: Evolving Understanding and Treatment Options Update on the Surgical Management of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy Phase 2 trial in FECD patients Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy A Review of the Evidence for in Vivo Corneal Endothelial Regeneration Eyeworld: glaucoma drug restarts endothelial healing in Fuchs’ patients with descemetorhexis but no graft Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd. 105 Wharfedale Road Winnersh Triangle Wokingham Berkshire, RG41 5RB CONTACT US Our products Livazo Avansee Research & development Pipeline Pemafibrate K-877 Ripasudil K-321 Adverse event reporting Kowa routinely monitors the safety of all its medicines. This includes review of safety data from clinical studies, and collection of reports and cases of adverse events for marketed products. REPORT ADVERSE EVENT Copyrights © 2020 Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: 11 / 2020 UIN: KPE20 00002 Privacy policy Cookie policy Terms of use