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DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution

Santen Inc. · Phase 2 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Santen Inc.. It is currently in Phase 2 development for Glaucoma or ocular hypertension (Phase 2). Also known as: DE-117.

DE-117 is a selective rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor that reduces intraocular pressure by improving aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is being studied in a clinical trial for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The study, NCT02179008, is a multi-center Phase II trial assessing the safety and efficacy of DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution in subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Likelihood of approval
15.3% vs 15.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2031–2034
Steps remaining: Phase 3 → NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: Medium
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 2 → approval rate +15.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 2 drugs reach approval ~15.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2031–2034
EMA EU 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2032–2036 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2032–2036 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2032–2036 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2033–2037 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2032–2036 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2032–2037 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2033–2037 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameDE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution
Also known asDE-117
SponsorSanten Inc.
Drug classRho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor
TargetROCK1/ROCK2
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOphthalmology
PhasePhase 2

Mechanism of action

ROCK inhibitors modulate the cytoskeleton of trabecular meshwork cells and endothelial cells lining Schlemm's canal, increasing conventional aqueous humor drainage and thereby lowering intraocular pressure. This mechanism differs from prostaglandin analogs and beta-blockers, offering a potential new therapeutic option for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution

What is DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor drug developed by Santen Inc., indicated for Glaucoma or ocular hypertension (Phase 2).

How does DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution work?

DE-117 is a selective rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor that reduces intraocular pressure by improving aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

What is DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution used for?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is indicated for Glaucoma or ocular hypertension (Phase 2).

Who makes DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is developed by Santen Inc. (see full Santen Inc. pipeline at /company/santen-inc).

Is DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution also known as anything else?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is also known as DE-117.

What drug class is DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution in?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution belongs to the Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor class. See all Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor drugs at /class/rho-kinase-rock-inhibitor.

What development phase is DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution in?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution is in Phase 2.

What are the side effects of DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution?

Common side effects of DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution include Conjunctival hyperemia, Eye irritation, Ocular discomfort.

What does DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution target?

DE-117 Middle Dose ophthalmic solution targets ROCK1/ROCK2 and is a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing