BLOG
MARKET INTEL by PharmaCompass
CONTENT by Suppliers
- Interview #SpeakPharma
- Video #SupplierSpotlight
- Vlog #PharmaReel
- Company Bio #AboutSupplier
- Services Bio #AboutCapabilities
News
Create content with us, ask us
By PharmaCompass
2026-05-14
Impressions: 471
Prostaglandins are natural fatty acid compounds produced by the human body. They are made from a type of fat known as arachidonic acid and act like messengers, controlling many functions such as inflammation, blood flow, muscle contraction, and fluid drainage in the eye.
Prostaglandin APIs are synthetic (lab-made) versions of natural prostaglandins that are used to create medicines. Prostaglandin-based medicines are used in obstetrics and gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, and cosmetics, and their use is also being explored in certain cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
One of the largest and most important uses of prostaglandin APIs is in
ophthalmology (eye care), where they are used as first-line therapy for open-angle glaucoma (a chronic, progressive eye disease) and ocular hypertension (a condition where pressure inside the eye is consistently higher than normal). In ophthalmic applications, these drugs usually serve as prodrugs – inactive in the formulation but converted into their active form after entering the eye.
According to estimates, the global prostaglandin market is valued at US$ 0.63 billion in 2025 and is poised to grow from US$ 0.68 billion in 2026 to US$ 1.27 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.1 percent between 2026 and 2035.
Prostaglandin API manufacturing is a highly specialised field, with only a few experienced manufacturers. Companies such as EUROAPI, Cayman Pharma, Chirogate International, Kyowa Pharma Chemical, Everlight Chemical, and Yonsung Fine Chemicals are key players with strong capabilities in complex chemistry.
FDA allows Glaukos’ iDose TR to be re-administered for treating eye diseases; approves Liquidia’s Yutrepia
Similarly, Santen Pharmaceutical secured manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan for Setaneo (sepetaprost) ophthalmic solution 0.002% in August 2025 for the treatment of glaucoma and OHT. In April 2025, Santen also received approval in China for Tapcom (tafluprost + timolol maleate), a preservative-free fixed-dose combination therapy that lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with OAG and OHT.
Beyond ophthalmology, prostaglandin APIs are also driving advancements in respiratory care. Liquidia Corporation received FDA approval in May 2025 for Yutrepia (treprostinil) inhalation powder for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). While PAH is a serious and progressive disease where blood pressure in the lung arteries rises, causing them to narrow and harden, PH-ILD is a serious complication in which high blood pressure develops in the lung arteries due to lung scarring. Yutrepia is the first and only prostacyclin dry-powder formulation enabled by Liquidia’s proprietary technology.
Access the Interactive Dashboard on Prostaglandin Developments (Free Excel Available)
Nicox’s drug scores phase 3 win in glaucoma, OHT; United seeks expanded approval for Tyvaso to treat pulmonary fibrosis
Innovation in prostaglandins is increasingly focused on enhanced efficacy and sustained drug delivery. French ophthalmology company Nicox has reported positive phase 3 results for its ophthalmic solution NCX 470, demonstrating consistent lowering of intraocular pressure in OAG and OHT. Nicox is likely to submit a new drug application for NCX 470 sometime soon, with a potential approval and launch expected in 2027.
Meanwhile, US-based SpyGlass Pharma is advancing sustained-release innovation through intraocular lens (IOL)-based and ring-based drug delivery systems. Its Bimatoprost Drug Pad–Intraocular Lens (BIM-IOL) system (currently in phase 3 trials) integrates drug delivery with cataract surgery to enable sustained therapy for up to three years. The company is also developing a preclinical Bimatoprost Drug Ring System (BIM-DRS) designed for similarly extended drug release.
In respiratory indications, Insmed is progressing treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder through phase 3 trials for PH-ILD, as well as for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and PAH.
Additionally, United Therapeutics is expanding the clinical scope of Tyvaso DPI (treprostinil). Following its global approval in 2022 for PAH, the therapy is now under regulatory review in the US and Canada for progressive pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Access the Interactive Dashboard on Prostaglandin Developments (Free Excel Available)
Glaukos sets up new R&D facility in Alabama, Inke acquires Pharmanoid to strengthen presence in prostaglandins
EUROAPI is undertaking a significant capacity expansion at its Budapest site. The company has committed €50 million (US$ 54.8 million) to install a new state-of-the-art production plant focused on prostaglandins. The project aims to debottleneck existing operations and introduce new multi-purpose manufacturing equipment, ultimately more than doubling the site’s prostaglandin production capacity by 2027. The expansion will also strengthen EUROAPI’s highly potent API (HPAPI) capabilities.
Alongside capacity additions by established players, the market is also witnessing consolidation and capability expansion through acquisitions. For instance, Essential Pharma acquired Ventavis (iloprost trometamol) from Bayer AG, including rights to the accompanying Breelib nebuliser delivery technology. Ventavis, a prostacyclin analogue, is a well-established treatment for adult patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.
Inke strengthened its presence in ophthalmology-focused high-potency APIs (HPAPIs), including prostaglandins, through the acquisition of Pharmanoid in December 2025. Backed by regulatory approvals across 25+ countries, Pharmanoid enhances Inke’s capabilities in complex API production and supports its ambition to build a leading European platform for advanced API development and manufacturing. The Barcelona facility is capable of producing and handling APIs across all potency levels while adhering to SafeBridge Scale OEB4 (Occupational Exposure Band 4) containment protocols, a classification for high-potency substances requiring strict controls to limit occupational exposure.
With more than two decades of experience, Inke is recognized for innovating and manufacturing high-quality APIs, delivering expertise, safety, and excellence across inhalation, CNS, and ophthalmic therapies, while supporting pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The ophthalmic API commercial portfolio includes bimatoprost, latanoprost, tafluprost, and travoprost, while the next-generation prostaglandin analog pipeline includes bimatoprost grenod and latanoprostene bunod.
Access the Interactive Dashboard on Prostaglandin Developments (Free Excel Available)
Our view
Innovation is guiding the prostaglandins market towards long-acting, sustained-release formulations and novel delivery systems. These innovations are driving steady growth in prostaglandins, while capacity expansions are strengthening capabilities in complex and highly potent APIs. Overall, this remains a niche but important market to watch.
The PharmaCompass Newsletter – Sign Up, Stay Ahead
Feedback, help us to improve. Click here
Image Credit : PROSTAGLANDINS TO CROSS US 1.27 BN BY 2035 by PharmaCompass license under CC BY 2.0
“ The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information, which the author believes or knows, is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or, cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.”
