CA1339132C

CA1339132C - Prostaglandin derivatives for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Info

Publication number: CA1339132C
Application number: CA000611003A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Johan W. Stjernschantz; Bahram Resul
Original assignee: Pharmacia and Upjohn AB
Current assignee: Pfizer Health AB
Priority date: 1989-09-12
Filing date: 1989-09-12
Publication date: 1997-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2014-07-29

Abstract

The invention relates to ophthalmological compositions for topical treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension comprising an effective intraocular pressure reducing amount of a prostaglandin derivative of PGA, PGB, PGD, PGE or PGF, in which the omega chain contains a ring structure, in an ophthalmologically compatible carrier. The invention further relates to the preparation of said compositions and their use for treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Description

1~3!~132 PROSTAGLANDIN DERIVATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT OF
GLAUCOMA OR OCULAR HYPERTENSION

The invention is concerned with the use of prostaglandin derivatives of PGA, PG8, PGD, PGE and PGF, in which the omega chain has been modified with the common feature of containing a ring structure, for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The invention relates also to ophthalmic compositions, containing an active amount of these prostaglandin derivatives, and the manufacture of such compositions.

Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterized by increased intraocular pressure, excavation of the optic nerve head and gradual loss of the visual field. An abnormally high intra-ocular pressure is commonly known to be detrimental to the eye, and there are elear indications that, in glaucoma patients, this probably is the most important factor causing degenerative changes in the retina. The pathophysiological mechanism of open angle glaucoma is, however, still unknown.
Unless treated successfully glaucoma will lead to blindness sooner or later, its course towards that stage is typically slow with progressive loss of the vision.

The intraocular pressure, IOP (abbr. of intraocular ~ress-ure) can be defined as according to the formula:

e (1) where Pe is the episcleral venous pressure, generally regarded as being around 9 mm Hg, F the flow of aqueous humor, and R the resistanee to outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and adjacent tissue into Schlemm's canal.

-2- 1 33g 13 2 Besides passing through Schlemm's, canal aqueous humor might also pass through the ciliary muscle into the suprachoroidal space and finally leave the eye through sclera. This uveoscleral route has been described for instance by Bill (1975). The pressure gradient in this case is insignificant compared to the gradient over the interior wall of Schlemm's canal and adjacent tissue in the former case. The flow limiting step along the uveoscleral route is assumed to be the flow from the anterior chamber into the suprachoroidal space.

A more complete formula is given by:

e (Ft ~ Fu) x R (2) where Pe and R are defined as above, Ft is the total outflow of aqueous humor and F is the fraction passing via the uveoscleral route.

IOP in human beings is normally in the range of 12 - 22 mm Hg. At higher values, for instance over 22 mm Hg, there is a risk that the eye may be affected. In one particular form of glaucoma, low tension glaucoma, damage may occur at intra-ocular pressure levels otherwise regarded as physiologically normal. The reason for this could be that the eye in these individuals is unusually sensitive to pressure. The opposite situation is also known, that some individuals may exhibit an abnormally high intraocular pressure without any manifest defects in the visual field or optic nerve head. Such conditions are usually referred to as ocular hypertension.

Glaucoma treatments can be given by means of drugs, laser or surgery. In drug treatment, the purpose is to lower either the flow (F) or the resistance (R) which, according to formula (1) above, will result in a reduced IOP; alterna-tively to increase the flow via the uveoscleral route which according to formula (2) also gives a reduced pressure.
Cholinergic agonists, for instance pilocarpine, reduce the intraocular pressure mainly by increasing the outflow through Schlemm's canal.

Prostaglandins, which recently have met an increasing interest as IOP-lowering substances may be active in that they will cause an increase in the uveoscleral outflow (Crawford et al, 1987, and Nilsson et al, 1987). They do not appear, however to have any effect on the formation of aqueous humor or on the conventional outflow through Schlemm's canal (Crawford et al, 1987).

The use of prostaglandins and their derivatives is described for instance in US 4599353 and EP 87103714.9, and by Bito LZ
et al (1983), Camras CB et al (1981, 1987a, 1987b, 1988), Giuffrè G (1985), Kaufman PL (1986), Kersetter JR et al (1988), Lee P-Y et al (1988) and Villumsen J et al (1989).

With respect to the practical usefulness of some of the previously described prostaglandins and derivatives, as suitable drugs for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension, a limiting factor is their property of causing superficial irritation and vasodilation in the conjunctiva. It is probable, moreover, that prostaglandins have an irritant effect on the sensory nerves of the cornea. Thus local side effects will arise in the eye already when the amounts of prostaglandin administered are quite small - that is, already when the doses are lower than those that would be desirable for achieving maximum pressure reduction. It has thus been found, for instance, that for this reason it is clinically impossible to use PGF2 -1-isopropyl ester in the amount that would give maximum pressure reduction. Prosta-glandins, being naturally occurring autacoids, are very potent pharmacologically and affect both sensory nerves and smooth muscle of the blood vessels. Since the effects caused by administrations of PGF2a and its esters to the eye, 133913~
comprise in addition to pressure reduction also irritation and hyperemia (increased blood flow), the doses currently practicable in clinical tests are necessarily very low. The irritation experienced when PGF2a or its esters are applied, consists mainly in a feeling of grittiness or of having a foreign body in one's eye, this being usually accompanied by increased lacrimation.

We have now found that a solution to the problems discussed above is the use of certain derivatives of prostaglandins A, B, D, E and F, in which the omega chain has been modified with the common feature of containing a ring structure, for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The prostaglandin derivatives have the general structure alpha chain \_~~ ~ omega chain wherein A represents the alicyclic ring C8-C12 and the bonds between the ring and the side chains represent the various isomers. In PGA, PGB, PGD, PGE and PGF A has the formula ~ o OH O OH

~ OH OH
PGA PGB PGD PGE PGF
II . II IV V
The invention is based on the use of derivatives characterized by their omega chain and various modifications of the alpha chain is therefore possible still using the inventive concept. The alpha chain could typically be the naturally occuring alpha chain, which is esterified to the structure ~ /--\ COO Rl -5- ~339 13~

in which Rl is an alkyl group, preferably with 1-10 carbon, especially 1-6 atoms, for instance metyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, neopentyl or benzyl or a deriva-tive giving the final substance equivalent properties as a glaucoma agent. The chain could preferably be a C6-C10 chain which might be saturated or unsaturated having one or more double bonds, and allenes, or a triple bond and the chain might contain one or more substituents such as alkyl groups, alicyclic rings, or aromatic rings with or without hetero atoms.

The omega chain is defined by the following formula:

(13) (14) (15-24) wherein C is a carbon atom (the number is indicated within parenthesis) B is a single bond, a double bond or a triple bond D is a chain with 1-10, preferably 2-8, and especially 2-5, and particularly 3 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by preferably not more than two hetero atoms (O,S, or N), the substituent on each carbon atom being H, alkyl groups, preferably lower alkyl groups within 1-5 carbon atoms, a carbonyl group, or a hydroxyl group, whereby the substituent on C15 preferably being a carbonyl group, or (R)-OH or (S)-OH; each chain D containing preferably not more than three hydroxyl groups or not more than three carbonyl groups, R2 is a ring structure such as a phenyl group which is unsubstituted or has at least one substituent selected from Cl-C5 alkyl groups, Cl-C4 alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, Cl-C3 aliphatic acylamino groups, nitro groups, halogen atoms, and phenyl group; or an aromatic heterocyclic group having 5-6 ring atoms, like thiazol, imidazole, pyrrolidine, thiophene and oxazole; or a cycloalkane or a cycloalkene with 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms.

13~gl32 Some examples on derivatives which were evaluated are the following (for structure information see Table I):

(1) 16-phenyl-l7rl8~l9~2o-tetranor-pGF2a-isopropylester (2) 17-phenyl-l8~l9~2o-trinor-pGF2a-isopropylester (3) 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18~19~20-trinor-PGF2a-isopropylester (4) 16-phenoxy-l7~l8~l9~2o-tetranor-pGF2a-isopropylester (5) 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE2-isopropylester (6) 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-isopropylester (7) 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-isopropyleSter (8) 16-[4-(methoxy)-phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2a-isopropylester (9) 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-isopropylester (10) 18-phenyl-l9~2o-dinor-pGF2a-isopropylester (20) l9-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2a-isopropylester The most preferred derivatives at present are those in which the omega chain of the prostaglandin has the 18,19,20-trinor form, and especially the 17-phenyl analogs, such as the 15-(R)-, 15-dehydro and 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor forms. Such derivatives are represented by (3), (6), (7) and (9) in the formulas given in Table I.

In the formula given above the most preferred structure at present is accordingly obtained when the prostaglandin is a derivative of PGA, PGD, PGE or PGF, especially of PGA2, 2' G 2 a d G 2a i339132 B is a single bond or a double bond D is a carbon chain with 2-5, especially 3 atoms; C15 having a carbonyl or (S)-OH substituent and C16-Clg having lower alkyl substituents, or preferably H
R2 is a phenyl ring optionally having substituents selected among alkyl and alkoxy groups.

The invention thus relates to the use of certain derivatives of PGA, PGB, PGD, PGE and PGF for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Among these derivatives defined above it has been found that some are irritating or otherwise not optimal, and in certain cases not even useful due to adverse effects and these are excluded in that the group of prostaglandin derivatives defined above is limited to therapeutically effective and physiologically acceptable derivatives. So is for instance (1) 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2a-isopropyl ester irritating while this can be eliminated by substituting the phenyl ring with a methoxy group giving formula (8) which represents a therapeutically more useful compound, The method for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension consists in contacting an effective intraocular pressure reducing amount of a composition, as aforesaid, with the eye in order to reduce the eye pessure and to maintain said pressure on a reduced level. The composition contains 0.1-30 ~g, especially 1-10 ~g, per application of the active substance i.e. a therapeutically active and physiologically acceptable derivative from the group defined above; the treatment may advantageously be carried out in that one drop of the composition, corresponding to about 30 ~l, is admin-istered about 1 to 2 times per day to the patient's eye.
This therapy is applicable both to human beings and to animals.

The invention further relates to the use of therapeutically active and physiologically acceptable prostaglandin deriva-tives from the group defined above for the preparation of an 13~9132 ophthalmological composition for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
The prostaglandin derivative is mixed with an ophthalmologi-cally compatible vehicle known p~ se. The vehicle which may be employed for preparing compositions of this invention comprises aqueous solutions as e.g. physiological salines, oil solutions or ointments. The vehicle furthermore may contain ophthalmologically compatible preservatives such as e.g. benzalkonium chloride, surfactants like e.g. poly-sorbate 80, liposomes or polymers, for example methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hyaluronic acid, these may be used for increasing the viscosity. Furthermore, it is also possible to use soluble or insoluble drug inserts when the drug is to be administered.

The invention is also related to ophthalmological compo-sitions for topical treatment of glaucoma or ocular hyper-tension which comprise an effective intra ocular pressure reducing amount of a prostaglandin derivative as defined above and an ophthalmologically compatible carrier, the effective amount comprising a dose of about 0.1-30 lu in about 10-50 ~u of the composition.

In the experiments carried out in this investigation the active compound, in an amount, varying with potency of the drug, from 30 ,ug to 300 ~g/ml was dissolved in a sterilized aqueous solution (saline 0.9 ~) containing 0.5 % polysorbate-80 as solubilizing agent.

The invention is illustrated by means of the following non-limitative examples.

Synthesis of prostaglandin derivatives 1~391~2 Example 1: Preparation of 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF~a-isopropyl ester (1).

A 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with 17.5 mg (0.04 mmol) 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF2a (Cayman Chemical), 5 ml CH2Cl2,30.2 mg (0.23 mmol) diisopropylethylamine. This solution was stirred at -10 ~C and 13.5 mg (0.07 mmol) of isopropyltriflate (freshly prepared) was added. This solution was allowed to stand at -10 ~C for 15 min and was then slowly warmed to room tempera-ture. When the esterification was complete according to TLC
(usually after 3-4 h at room temperature) the solvent was removed ln vacuo. The residue was diluted with 20 ml ethyl-acetate, washed with 2xlO ml 5 % sodium hydrogencarbonate and 2xlO ml 3 ~ citric acid. The organic layer was dried over unhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate: aceton 2: 1 as eluent.
The title compound was obtained as a colourless oily substance (71 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDC13)- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 3,3 (lH q) 2.8 (2H d) 5.0 (lH m) 3.8 (lH m) 5.3-5.7 (4H m) 4.1 (lH t) 7.1-7.3 (5H m) Example 2: Preparation of 17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (2).

A 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged whith 20 mg (0.05 mmol) 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a (Cayman Chemicals), 6 ml acetone, 39.2 mg (0.25 mmol) DBU and 42.5 mg (0.25 mmol) isopropyl iodide. The solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 h, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was diluted AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

13~9132 --io--with 30 ml of ethyl acetate, washed twice with 10 ml 5 %
sodiumhydrogen carbonate and 10 ml 3 % citric acid. The solvent was removed ln vacuo, and the crude product was chromatographed on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate:
acetone 2:1 as eluent. The title compound (2) was obtained as an oily substance (65 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDC13)- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 4.9 (lH m) 3.9 (lH m) 5.4-5.6 (4H m) 4.1 (lH t) 7.1-7.3 (5H m) 4.2 (lH m) Example 3: Preparation of 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (3) 20.9 mg (0.092 mmol) DDQ was added to a solution of 10 mg (0.023 mmol) 17-phenyl-18,19,20 trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (2) in 8 ml dioxane. The reaction mixture immediately turned brown, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The precipitate formed was filtered, washed with 10 ml ethyl acetate, the filtrate was diluted with 10 ml ethylacetate washed with 2x10 ml water, 2x10 ml NaOH IM and 20 ml brine. The organic layer was dried on unhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate: ether 1:1 as eluent. The title compound (3) was obtained as a colourless oily substance (76 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Reson~n~ spectrum (CDC13),- ppm:
1.2 (6H d) 5.4 (2H m) 4.0 (lH m) 6.2 (lH d) 4.2 (lH m) 6.7 (lH q) 5.0 (lH m) 7.1-7.3 (5H m) AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

33913~

Example 4: Preparation of 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20 -tetranor PGF2a-isopropyl ester(4)-Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 20 mg (0.051 mmol) 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20 -tetranor PGF2a (Cayman Chemicals). The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate:
acetone 2:1 as eluent. The title compound (4) was an oily substance (53.2 ~ yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Reso~anrP spectrum (CDCl3)- ppm:
1.2 (6H d) 5.4 (2H m) 3.9 (3H m) 5.7 (2H m) 4.2 (lH m) 6.9 (3H m) 4.5 (lH m) 7.3 (2H m) 5.0 (lH m) Example 5: Preparation of 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGE2-isopropyl ester (5).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 10 mg (0.026 mmol) 17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGE2 (Cayman Chemicals). The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ether as eluent. The title compound (5) was an oily substance (38.9 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl3~- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 5.3 (2H m) 3.9-4.1 (2H m) 5.6 (2H m) 4.9 (lH m) 7.2 (5H m) Example 6: Preparation of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGA2-isopropyl ester (6).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 10 mg (0.026 mmol) 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl PGA2 Al,-PS/pb lC90-09-18 *

-12- i3 3g 13~

(Cayman Chemicals). The crude product was chromatographed on silica gel-60 using ether as eluent. The title compound (6) W2.S an oily substance (48 % yield).

NLLclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl3)- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 5.4 (2H m) 4.3 (lH m) 7.3 (5H m) 5.0 (lH m) Example 7: Preparation of 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,1g,20-trinor PGF a-isopropyl ester (7). (Table II) 7.1 Preparation of 1-(S)-2-oxa-3-oxo-6-(R)-(3-oxo-5-phenyl--1-trans-pentenyl)-7-(R)-(4-phenylbenzoyloxy)-cis-bicyclo [3,3,0] octane (13).
___________________________________________________________ 18 g (0.05 mol) alcohol (11), 32 g (0.15 mol) DCC, 39.1 g (0.5 mol) DMS~ (newly distilled from CaH2) and 30 ml DME
were charged to a 200 ml flask under nitrogen. 0.49 g (0.005 mol) of orthophosphoric acid was added in one portion, and an exothermic reaction occured. The reaction mixture was stirred mechanically at room temperature for 2h, and the resultant precipitate was filtered and washed with DME. The filtrate (12) can be used directly for Emmon condensation reaction.

To a suspension of 1.2 g (0.04 mol) NaH (80 % washed with n-pentane to remove mineral oil) in 100 ml DME under nitrogen was added dropwise 12.3 g (0.048 mol) dimethyl-2-oxo-4-phenylbutyl-phosphonate in 30 ml DME. The mixture was stirred mechanically for lh at room temperature, then cooled to -10 ~C and a solution of the crude aldehyde (12) was added in dropwise. After 15 min at 0 ~C and lh at room temperature the reaction mixture was neutralized with glacial acetic acid, the solvent was removed under vacuum, AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

-13- ~ 3391 32 and to the residue was added 100 ml ethyl acetate, washed with 50 ml water and 50 ml brine. The organic layer was dried over unhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed ln vacuo and the resulting white precipitate filtered and washed with cold ether. The title compound (13) was obtained as a crystalline substance mp 134.5-135.5 (53 % yield).

7.2 Preparation of 1-(S)-2-oxa-3Oxo-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-(4-phenylbenzoyloxy) cis-bicyclo [3,3,0]octane (14).
____________________________________________________________ 10 g (0.021 mol) enone (13) and 3.1 g (0,008 mol) cerous-chloride heptahydrate in 50 ml methanol and 20 ml CH2Cl2 were charged to a 200 ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and was cooled to -78 ~C under nitrogen.
0.476 g (0.012 mol) of sodium borohydride was added in small portions, after 30 min the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of saturuted NH4Cl, and extracted with 2x50 ml ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and concentrated to leave a colourless oil (98 % yield).

7.3 Preparation of 1-(S)-2-oxa-3-oxo-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-hydroxy-cis-bicyclo-[3,3,0]
octane (15).
____________________________________________________________ To a solution of 9.8 g (0.02 mol) lactone (14) in 100 ml absolute methanol was added 1.7 (0.012 mol) potassium carbonate. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic bar, at room temperature. After 3 h the mixture was neutralized with 40 ml HCl 1 M, and extracted with 2x50 ml ethyl acetate. The extracts were then dried on unhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The crude product was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate: acetone as eluent. The title compound (15) was obtained as an oily substance (85 yield).

AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

7.4 Preparation of 1-(S)-2-oxa-3-hydroxy-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)-hydroxy-5-phenyl-l-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-hydroxy-cis-bicyclo[3,3,0] octane (16).
_________________________________________________________ To a solution of 3g(0.011 mol) lactone (15) in 60 ml un-hydrous THF, stirred magnetically and cooled to -78 ~C, 4.5 g (0.0315 mol) DIBAL-H in toluene was added dropwise.
After 2h the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of 75 ml methanol. The mixture was filtered,the filtrate was con-centrated in vacuo and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate: acetone 1:1 as eluent.
The title compound (16) was obtained as a semisolid sub-stance (78 % yield).

7.5 Preparation of 15-(R,S)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a(17).
______________________________________________________ 2.5 g (25 mmol) sodium methyl sulfinylmethide in DMS0 (freshly prepared from sodium anhydride and DMS0) was added dropwise to a solution of 5.6 g (12.6 mmol) 4-caboxybutyl triphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 12 ml DMS0. To the resultant red solution of the ylide was added dropwise a solution of the 1.2 g (4.2 mmol) hemiacetal (16) in 13 ml DMS0, and the mixture was stirred for lh. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10 g ice and 10 ml water and extracted with 2x50 ml ethyl acetate, whereafter the aqueous layer was cooled, acidified with HCl 1 M and extracted with ethyl acetate, and then the organic layer was dried and concentrated. The resulting crude product was a colourless substance. The purity of the title compound (17) was estimated by TLC on silica gel using ethyl acetate: acetone: acetic acid 1:1:0.2 v/v/v as eluent.

AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

7.6 Preparation of 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (7).
____________________________________________________________ The crude product (17) was esterified following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 the product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent and the resulting mixture of C15 epimeric alcohol were separated.

The title compound (7) was obtained as a colourless oily substance (46 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDC13),- ppm:

1.2 (6H m) 5 4 (2H m) 3.9 (lH m) 5.6 (2H m) 4.15 (2H m) 7.2 (5H m) 4.95 (lH m) Example 8: Preparation of 16-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF2 -isopropyl ester (8).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 7 with modified step 7-2, the aldehyde 12 described in step 7-2 was reacted with dimethyl-2-oxo-3-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-propylphosphonate and was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate: toluene 1:1 as eluent.
A colourless oily substance was obtained (57 % yield).

The title compound 16-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-17,18,19,20--tetranor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (8) was obtained as an oily substance, and purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent (46 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDC13)- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 5.0 (lH m) 2.8 (2H d) 5.4 (2H m) 3.75 (3H S) 5.6 (2H m) 3.9 (lH m) 6.8 (2H d) 4.15 (lH m) 7.2 (2H d) 4.3 (lH m) Example 9: Preparation of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (9).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 7, with minor modification, 5 g (0.018 mol) enone (13) in 100 ml THF was reduced using 2.03 g 10 % pd/c under hydrogen atmosphere. After completion of the reaction (as determined by TLC on silica gel using ethylacetate: toluene 1:1 as eluent) the mixture was filtered on celite. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and an oily substance was obtained (86 % yield).

The final product 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester containing a mixture of C15 epimeric alcohols were separated by preparative liquid chromatography using 40 % CH3CN in water v/v as eluent.

Nuclear Magnetic Renonance spectrum (CDCl3)- ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 5.0 (lH m) 3.6 (lH m) 5.4 (2H m) 3.9 (lH m) 7.2 (5H m) 4.15 (lH m) Example 10: Preparation of 18-phenyl-19,20-trinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (10).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example (7) with modified step 7-2. The aldehyde (12) described in 7-2 was reacted with dimethyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl pentyl phos-phonate gave a crystalline substance trans-enone lactone (67 % yield).

The final product 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor PGF2a-isopropyl ester (10) was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent gave a colourless oil (41 % yield).

1.2 (6H d) 5.0 (lH m) 3.95 (lH m) 5.4 (2H m) 4.10 (lH m) 5.6 (2H q) 4.20 (lH m) 7.2 (5H m) Example 11: Preparation of l9-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2a-isopropyl ester (20).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example (7) with modified step (7-2).

The aldehyde (12) described in (7-2) was reacted with dimethyl-2-oxo-6-phenyl-hexylphosphonate gave a colourless oil trans-enone lactone (56 % yield).

The final product l9-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2a-isopropyl ester (20) was a colourless oil, and was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent (30 % yield).

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDC13)-ppm:

1.2 (6H d) 5.0 (lH m) 2.6 (2H t) 5.4 (2H m) 3.9 (lH m) 5.5 (2H t) 4.1 (lH m) 7.2 (5H m) 4.2 (lH m) Studies of eye pressure lowering effect and adverse reactions The intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined in animals with a pneumatonometer (Digilab Modular One , Bio Rad), specially calibrated for the eye of the particular species.
The cornea was anaesthetized with 1-2 drops of oxibuprocain before each IOP measurement. In healthy human volunteers IOP
was measured with applanation tonometry or with an air puff tonometer (Keeler pulsair). For applanation tonometry either a pneumatonometer (Digilab) or Goldmann's applanation tonometer mounted on a slit lamp microscope was used. The cornea was anaesthetized with oxibuprocain before each measurement with applanation tonometry. No local anaesthesia was employed before measurement with the pulsair tonometer.

The ocular discomfort after application of the test substances was evaluated in cats. The behaviour of cats after topical application of the test drug was followed and ocular discomfort was graded on a scale from O to 3, O
indicating complete absence of any signs of discomfort, and 3 indicating maximal irritation as obvious from complete lid closure.

Conjunctival hyperemia after topical application of the test substances was evaluated in rabbits. The conjunctiva at the insertion of the superior rectus muscle of the eye was inspected or photographed with regular intervals and the degree of hyperemia was later evaluated from the color photographs in a blind manner. Conjunctival hyperemia was evaluated on a scale from O to 4, O indicating complete absence of any hyperemia, and 4 indicating marked hyperemia with conjunctival chemosis.

For determination of the effects on the intraocular pressure, primarily monkeys (cynomolgus) were employed. The reason for this is that the monkey eye is highly reminiscent of the human eye and therefor, generally, drug effects are readily extrapolated to the human eye. However, the disadvantage of using the monkey eye as a model is that the conjunctiva in this species is pigmented making it impossible to evaluate conjunctival hyperemia and furthermore, the monkey eye is relatively insensitive to irritation. Therefore, the cat eye, being very sensitive to prostaglandins was used for evaluating ocular discomfort and the rabbit eye with pro-nounced tendency to hyperemic reactions was used for evalu-ating conjunctival and episcleral hyperemia.

It is evident from Table III that modification of the omega chain of the prostaglandin skeleton introduced new and unexpected features to the prostaglandins with respect to ocular irritation (discomfort). Particularly 17-phenyl,18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE and analogs were unique in exhibiting a complete loss of ocular irritation with retained IOP lowering effect in monkeys. Whereas the 17-phenyl,18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a derivatives were extremely well tolerated, 16-phenyl--17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2 -IE caused clear ocular discomfort although to a lesser degree than PGF2a-IE or 15-propionate-PGE2-IE (Table III). However, substituting a hydrogen atom in the phenyl ring with a methoxy group having electron donating properties rendered the molecule practically free of ocular irritating effect, Table III. It is also evident from Table III that 18-phenyl-19,20,-dinor-PGF2aIE, 19-phenyl--20-nor-PGF2a-IE as well as 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE2-IE
and 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-IE, had no or very little irritating effect in the eye of cats. This indicates that the invention not only is valid for 16-, and 17-tetra- and trinor analogs of PGF2a but for a range of omega chain modified and ring substituted analogs of PGF2a (as exemplified with 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2a-IE
to 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2 -IE), and more importantly even for different members of the prostaglandin family such as PGE2 and PGA2 modified in an analogous way (Table III). Thus, modifying the omega chain and substituting a carbon atom in the chain with a ring structure introduces completely new, unexpected and advantageous qualities to naturally occuring prostaglandins in that the irritating effect in the conjunc-tiva and cornea is abolished. In the case of 16-phenyl--17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2 -IE exhibiting some irritating effect substituting a hydrogen atom in the ring structure with e.g. a methoxy group attenuates or abolishes the irritating effect.

In addition to the lack of ocular discomfort the omega chain modified analogs also exhibited an advantage over naturally occuring prostalgandins in that they caused considerably less conjunctival hyperemia as studied in the rabbit eye (Table IV). Particularly, 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE,13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor--PGF2a-IE, and 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGA2-IE were adventageous in this respect. Also 18-phenyl--19,20-dinor-PGF2a-IE and 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2a-IE induced very little conjunctival hyperemia (TablelV).

The intraocular pressure lowering effect of omega chain modified and riny-substituted prostaglandin analogs is demonstrated in Table V. It can be seen that particularly 16-phenyl-tetranor and 17-phenyl-trinor prostaglandin analogs significantly reduced IOP in animal eyes (Table V).
In all but two series of experiments cynomolgus monkeys were used. It is of particular interest to note that 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2a-derivatives exhibiting no ocular irritation and only modest conjunctival/episcleral hyperemia significantly lowered IOP in primates. It should furthermore be observed that both 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGFa-IE, 18-phenyl-l9~2o-dinor-pGF2a-IE and 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGFa-IE
reduced the intraocular pressure, thus, modification of the omega chain and substituting a carbon atom in the chain with a ring structure do not render the molecule inactive with respect to the effect on the intraocular pressure.

Furthermore, it should be observed that substituting a hydrogen on the ring structure of 16-phenyl,17,18,19,20--tetranor-PGF2a-IE with a methoxy group eliminated much of the ocular irritating effect preserving most of the intra-ocular pressure lowering effect. Thus, omega chain modified and ring substituted prostaglandin analogs reduce IOP
effectively in animals. It is further demonstrated in Table V that 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,10-tetranor-PGF2a-IE
effectively lowers the intraocular pressure as studied in cats. Thus, substituting carbon 17 in the omega chain with a hetero atom, in this case oxygen, does not render the molecule inactive with respect to the effect on IOP.

It is noteworthy that most of the 17-phenyl,18,19,20-trinor-prostaglandin analogs had poor intraocular pressure lowering effect in cats, even at high doses. It is to be observed that the doses at which compounds were used presented in Table III are lower than those e.g. in Table V. Doses presented in Table III should be explicitly compared with those of the naturally occuring prostaglandins in the same table. The same is true for Table IV. It is clear that with increasing dose side effects may increase. However, the doses of prostaglandin derivatives used in monkeys are comparatively similar to those used in human volunteers, (Table VI) being practically free of side effects.

The effect of some omega chain modified prostaglandin analogs, more specifically 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE, 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE, 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2 -IE, 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE, and 18-phenyl-19-20-dinor-PGF2 -IE
on the intraocular pressure of healthy human volunteers is demonstrated in Table VI. All compounds significantly reduced the intraocular pressure. It is particularly sig-nificant in this respect that none of the compounds had any significant irritating effect (ocular discomfort) and that 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE and 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE caused very 1~9132 little if any conjunctival/episcleral hyperemia in man.
Thus, omega chain modified, and ring substituted prostaglandin analogs seem to be unique in that these compounds reduce IOP
without causing significant ocular side effects such as hyperemia and discomfort.

The present invention thus describes a group of compounds exhibiting the unique property of causing insignificant ocular side effects while retaining the intraocular pressure lowering effect. From the foregoing it is evident that the crucial modification of the molecule is a ring structure in the omega chain. Furthermore, substituents in the ring structure and/or in the omega chain may be introduced in certain molecules still exhibiting some side-effects in the eye. Hetero atoms may also be introduced into the ring substituted omega chain. Presently, particularly 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2 -derivatives seem very promising for therapeutic use in glaucoma. From the scientific literature it is evident that PGE2 and PGA2 or their esters lower IOP
in the monkey (see Bito et al, 1989). Clinical studies with PGE2 have also been performed demonstrating IOP-lowering effect in man (Flach and Eliason (1988)). Thus, the analogy with PGF2a and its esters lowering IOP in the primate eye is logic. It is most reasonable to assume that other prosta-glandins with modified omega chain exhibit essentially the same properties as PGF2a with modified omega chain, i.e. IOP
lowering effect without side effects.

- 22a - 13 39132 Supplementary Disclosure Example 12: Preparation of 13,14-dihydro-15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF?~isopropyl ester 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF2~ isopropyl ester contains three hydroxyl groups (on C9, C11 and C15). Therefore selective oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate was impossible, and the use of a proper protective group is necessary. The C1s-dehydro PG
analogue was synthesised from the appropriate C1-alkyl ester by initial protection of the C9 and C11 hydroxyl groups with 2 mol. excess phenylboronic acid (Tethr.
Lett. 31(1975) 2647-2650). The formation of the cyclic boronate proceeds rapidly at room temperature in the presence of activated molecular sieve to give the cyclic 9,11-boronate ester. Oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate adsorbed on alumina proceeds very smoothly to give the protected C1s-keto ester, which was deprotected and isolated by column chromatography on silica gel.

13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2~isopropyl ester (265 mg, 0.61 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) was added to a solution of phenylboronic acid (149 mg, 1,22 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) in the presence of activated molecular sieve 4A. The solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 min. to form the 9,11-boronate carboxylate ester. The boronate ester was directly treated with pyridinium chlorochromate (262 mg, 1,22mmol) adsorbed on alumina (1,3 g). The mixture was then allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 h (TLC
monitoring). The mixture was diluted with ether (20 ml), whereafter the solid was filtered and washed with 3x10 ml portions of ether. The combined filtrate was evaporated.
The residue was then diluted with ethyl acetate (30 ml) and washed with sodium hydroxide 0,5 N (3x10 ml) and water (20 ml). The organic layer was dried over (Na2SO4), _~ ? ~

1~39132 - 22b -and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in THF (10 ml) followed by addition of H202 (0,5 ml) to remove the protecting group. Ethyl acetate i339132 (30 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with brine (10 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated and subjected to flash column chromatography (silicagel, ether) which gave the desired product as a colourless oil. Yield = 53 ~.

Rf = 0,46 (silicagel, EtOAc) H-NMR (CDC13/TMS): ~ = 1,2 (d,6H), 2,3 (t,4H), 2,5 (t,2H), 2,7 (t,2H), 2,9 (t,2H), 3,8 (m,lH), 4,2 (m,lH), 5,0 (m,lH), 5,4 (m,2H), 7,2 (m,5H) AL-PS/pb 1990-09-18 *

133Y13~

21 ,~

The results from an experiment in which the substance 13,14-dihydrc-15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-P~2~-isopropylester, from Example 12, was administered in two healthy volunteers whereby each person received one drop of a test formulation containing 5 ~g of the active substance immediately after the intraocular pressure had been measure at time Oh. The contralateral control eye received only the vehicle. The pressure was then measured after 4, 7 and 9 hours and the following results measured with a pulsair tonometer were obtained. All the results are given in mmHg.

Person Eye Time after administration Oh 4h 7h 9h 1 Exp 13.4 12.3 11.0 11.9 Contr 13.9 12.2 12.5 13.4 2 Exp 14.0 12.6 12.3 11.2 Contr 12.3 13.0 13.2 lZ.O

These results show that the substance indeed reduces the intraocular pressure although the starting pressures (at Oh) in these specific examples were very low. Most strikingly, there were no side effects observed in any of the persons, neither conjunctival hyperemia nor superficial ocular irritation in the form of grittiness or foreign body feeLing.

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O

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,uo ~
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TABLE II.

O

0/'~ ( Ch , cooc ~c~
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.. ~ /
C~

Reagents: a) DCC/DMSO/DME
b) NaH/ dimethyl-2-oxo-4-phenylbutyl phosphonate/DME
c) CeC13.7H20~NaBH4/ CH30H/ -78 d) K2CO /CH~8H
e) Dlba~/-7c" C
f) NaCH~SOCH3/
(4-carboxybutyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide/DMSO
g) DBU/iprI/acetone Table III. Irritative effect of naturally occuring prosta-glandins (PGF2a, PGD2 and PGE2), and omega chain modified analogs applied as isopropylester on the cat eye. The avarage degree of discomfort was evaluated during 60 min after topical application of the respective test drug. The numbers within paranthesis refer to Table I.

Dose Degree of Substance (~g) occular irritation PGF2a-isopropylester (-IE) 1 3.0 + 0.0 15-propionate-PGE2-IE 0.1-1 3.0 + 0.0 15-propionate-PGD2-IE 1 1.3 + 0.2 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE (2) 1-5 0 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2 -IE (3) 5 0 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE (7) 1-5 0 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE (9) 1 0 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE2-IE (5) 0.3 0 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-IE (6) 1 0 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2 -IE (1) 1 2.2 + 0.3 16-[4-(methoxy)-phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranor-2a (8) 1 0.2 + 0.1 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-2a (10) 1 0.7 + 0.1 henyl-2o-nor-pGF2a-IE (20) 1 0.5 + 0.1 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2a-IE (4) 5 0.3 + 0.2 13~9132 Table IV. Degree of conjunctival hyperemia in the rabbit eye after application of naturally occuring prostaglandins (PGF2a, and PGE2), and omega chain modified analogs applied as isopropylesters.

Substance Dose Degree of (,ug) hyperemia PGF2a-isopropylester (-IE) 0.1 2.8 + 0.2 15-propionate-PGE2-IE 0.5 2.7 + 0.3 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2 -IE (1) 0.5 1.3 + 0.9 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-2a (2) 0.5 2.0 + 0.3 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a-IE (3) 0.5 0.7 + 0-3 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-2a ( ) 2.0 + 0.0 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18~19~20-trinor-PGF2a-IE (9) 0.5 1.3 + 0.3 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE2-IE (5) 0-5 2.7 + 0.2 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-IE (6) 0.5 0.3 + 0.3 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-2a (10) 0.5 0.3 + 0.2 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF2a-IE (20) 0.5 0.2 + 0.2 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2a-IE (4) 0.5 2.3 + 0.3 i33~ 132 ,o o o o o o o ,, ~+,+, +, * +, +, +, +, +, c. ~ ~ E
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REFERENCES

Bill A (1975). Blood circulation and fluid dynamics in the eye. Physiol. Rew. 55: 383-417.

Bito LZ, Draga A, Blanco DJ, Camras CB (1983). Long-term maintenance of reduced intraocular pressure by daily or twice daily topical application of prostaglandins to cat or rhesus monkey eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 24:312-319.

Bito LZ, Camras CB, Gum GG and Resul B (1989).
The ocular hypotensive effects and side effects of prosta-glandins on the eyes of experimental animals.
Progress in clinical and biological research, Vol 312.
Ed Laszlo Z Bito and Johan Stjernschantz; Alan R Liss, Inc., New York.

Camras CB, Bito LZ (1981). Reduction of intraocular pressure in normal and glaucomatous primate (Aotus trivirgatus) eyes by topically applied prostaglandin F2 Curr Eye Res 1:205-209.

Camras CB, Podos SM, Rosenthal JS, Lee PY, Severin CH
(1987a). Multiple dosing of prostaglandin F2a or epinephrine on cynomolgus monkey eyes. I. Aqueous humor dynamics. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 28:463-469.

Camras CB, Bhuyan KC, Podos SM, Bhuyan DK Master RWP (1987b).
Multiple dosing of prostaglandin F2 or epinephrine on cynomolgus monkey eyes. II. Slitlamp biomicroscopy, aqueous humor analysis, and fluorescein angiography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 28:921-926.

Camras CB, Siebold EC, Lustgarten JS, Serle JB, Frisch SC, Podos SM, Bito LZ (1988). Reduction of IOP by prostaglandin F2a-1-isopropyl ester topically applied in glaucoma patients.
Ophthalmology 95 (Suppl): 129.

133gl32 Crawford K, Kaufman P L, and True Gabel, B'A (1987).
Pilocarpine antagonizes PGF2 -induced ocular hyptension:
Evidence for enhancement of uveoscleral outflow by PGF2a.
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis Sci p. 11.

Flach AJ, Eliason JA (1988). Topical prostaglandin E2 effects on normal human intraocular pressure. J Ocu Pharmacol 4:13-18.

Giuffrè G (1985). The effects of prostaglandin F2a in the human eye. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 222: 139-141.

Kaufman PL (1986). Effects on intracamerally infused prosta-glandins on outflow facility in cynomolgus monkey eyes with intact or retrodisplaced ciliary muscle. Exp Eye Res 43:819-827.

Kerstetter JR, Brubaker RF, Wilson SE, Kullerstrand LJ
(1988). Prostaglandin F2 -1-isopropylester lowers intraocular pressure without decreasing aqueous humor flow. Am J Ophthalmol 105:30-34.

Lee P-Y, Shao H, Xu L, Qu C-K (1988). The effect of prostaglandin F2a on intraocular pressure in normotensive human subjects.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 29:1474-1477.

Miller WL et al (1975). Biological Activities of 17-Phenyl-18,19,20-Trinor Prostaglandins. 9 p. 9-18.

Nilsson S F E, Stjernschantz J and Bill A (1987).
PGF2a increases uveoscleral outflow. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis Sci Suppl p. 284.

Villumsen J, Alm A (1989). Prostaglandin F2a-isopropylester eye drops. Effects in normal human eyes. Br J Ophthalmol 73:
419-426.

Claims

1. A therapeutic composition for topical treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, containing a prostaglandin PGA, PGB, PGD, PGE or PGF in an amount sufficient to reduce intraocular pressure without causing substantial ocular irritation and an ophthalmologically compatible vehicle, which the omega chain of the prostaglandin has the formula:
(13) (14) (15-24) wherein C is a carbon atom (the number is indicated within parenthesis);
B is a single bond, a double bond or a triple bond;
D is a chain with 1-10 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by hetero atoms O, S, or N, the substituents on each carbon atom being H, alkyl groups, lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms, an oxo functionality or a hydroxyl group;
R2 is a ring structure selected from they group consisting of phenyl and phenyl having at least one substituent, said substituent being selected from C1-C5 alkyl groups, C1-C4 alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, C1-C3 aliphatic acylamino groups, nitro groups, halogen atoms, and phenyl group; or an aromatic heterocyclic group having 5-6 ring atoms, selected from the group consisting of thiazol, imidazole, pyrrolidine, thiopene and oxazole;
or a cycloalkane or a cycloalkene with 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms.

2. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein D is a chain with 2-8 carbon atoms.

3. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein D is a chairs with 2-5 carbon atoms.

4. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein D is a chain with 3 carbon atoms.

5. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein B is a single bond or a double bond and the substituent on C15 being a carbonyl group or (R)-OH or (S)-OH.

6. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein R2 is a phenyl group which is unsubstituted or has at least one substituent selected from C1-C5 alkyl groups, C1-C4 alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, C1-C3 aliphatic acylamino groups, nitro groups, halogen atoms or a phenyl group.

7. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 6, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue.

8. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 7, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue or a 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue.

9. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 8, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor derivative of PGA, PGE
or PGF.

10. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 8, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor derivative of PGA, PGE or PGF.

11. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 7, claim 8, claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is an alkyl ester.

12. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester.

13. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2.alpha.-isopropylester.

14. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-isopropyl-ester.

15. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester.

16. An ophthalmological composition according to claim 1, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester.

17. 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha..

18. 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-alkyl-ester, in which the alkyl group has 1-10 carbon atoms.

19. Compound of claim 18, wherein the alkyl group is isopropyl.

20. The use of a prostaglandin a, b, d, a or f derivative in which the omega chain of the prostaglandin has the formula:
(13) (14) (15-24) wherein C is a carbon atom (the number is indicated within parenthesis);
B is a single bond, a double bond or a triple bond;
D is a chain with 1-10 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by hetero atoms O, S, or N, the substituents on each carbon atom being H, alkyl groups, lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms, an oxo functionality or a hydroxyl group;
R2 is a ring structure selected from the group consisting of phenyl and phenyl having at least one substituent, said substituent being selected from C1-C5 alkyl groups, C1-C4 alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, C1-C3 aliphatic acylamino groups, nitro groups, halogen atoms, and phenyl group; or an aromatic heterocyclic group having 506 ring atoms, selected from the group consisting of thiazol, imidazole, pyrrolidine, thiopene and oxazole;
or a cycloalkane or a cycloalkene with 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms, for use in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

21. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, wherein D is a chain with 2-8 carbon atoms.

22. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, wherein D is a chain with 2-5 carbon atoms.

23. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, wherein D is a chain with 3 carbon atoms.

24. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, claim 21, claim 22 or claim 23, wherein B is a single bond or a double bond and the substituent on C15 being a carbonyl group or (R)-OH or (S)-OH.

25. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, claim 21, claim 22 or claim 23, wherein R2 is a phenyl group which is unsubstituted or has at least one substituent selected from C1-C5 alkyl groups, C1-C4 alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, Cl-C3 aliphatic acylamino groups, nitro groups, halogen atoms or a phenyl group.

26. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 25, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue.

27. The use of prostaglandin derivative according to claim 26, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue or a 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor analogue.

28. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 27, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor derivative of PGA, PGE or PGF.

29. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 27, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is a 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor derivative of PGA, PGE
or PGF.

30. The use of a prostaglandin derivative according to claim 20, claim 21, claim 22, claim 23, claim 26, claim 27, claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the prostaglandin derivative is an alkyl ester.

31. The use of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

32. The use of 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2.alpha.-isopropylester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

33. The use of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-isopropylester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

34. The use of 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

35. The use of 17-phenyl-18, 19, 20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropylester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

36. The use of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha. for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

37. The use of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-alkyl-ester, in which the alkyl group has 1-10 carbon atoms for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

38. The use of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2.alpha.-isopropyl-ester in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.