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Travoprost is the Alcon trade name for fluprostenol isopropyl ester, an F-series prostaglandin analog which has been approved for use as an ocular hypotensive drug.¹ Fluprostenol isopropyl ester is a prodrug which is converted by esterase enzymatic activity in the cornea to yield the corresponding free acid, fluprostenol.² 5-trans Fluprostenol is an impurity that is routinely found in bulk preparations of fluprostenol in amounts ranging from 1-3%. This impurity occurs in the finished prodrug Travoprost in similar amounts. The pharmacology of 5-trans fluprostenol has not been studied extensively to date.

1. Hellberg, M.R., Sallee, V.L., McLaughlin, M.A., et al. Preclinical efficacy of travoprost, a potent and selective FP prostaglandin receptor agonist J. Ocul. Pharmacol. Ther. 17(5),421-432(2001).
2. Sorbera, L.A., and Casta?er, J. Travoprost Drugs Future 25(1),41-45(2000).