ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — October 7, 2026
Glaukos Corporation (NYSE: GKOS), an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company, announced positive topline results from a long-term Phase 3 extension study evaluating Epioxa®, its epithelium-on corneal cross-linking therapy for keratoconus. The GLK-202-03 study demonstrated sustained clinical benefits and a favorable safety profile for up to three years following a single treatment, with no additional intervention during the extension period. The findings support Epioxa’s potential to provide lasting corneal stabilization and meaningful visual outcomes for patients with this progressive, sight-threatening eye disease.
Sustained Improvements in Corneal Shape and Vision
At three years, treated eyes maintained a 1.9-diopter improvement in maximum corneal curvature (Kmax) from baseline, indicating sustained corneal flattening and stabilization. Visual acuity outcomes also remained meaningful, with 29% of treated eyes gaining at least two lines and 20% gaining at least three lines of best-corrected visual acuity. These results highlight the durability of the treatment’s effects following a single procedure. The extension study included 38 study eyes from 35 participants, with 92% of eyes completing the three-year visit.
Long-Term Safety Profile Remains Favorable
Glaukos reported that Epioxa maintained a favorable long-term safety profile through three years. The study recorded no serious adverse events, treatment-related adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events, according to the company. Epioxa uses topical riboflavin photoenhancers activated by pulsed ultraviolet light and an oxygen-supplemented system to perform corneal collagen cross-linking without removing the corneal epithelium. This epithelium-on approach is designed to reduce the discomfort and recovery burden associated with conventional procedures that require epithelial removal.
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Epioxa Advances an Alternative Approach to Keratoconus Care
The GLK-202-03 extension followed patients who received cross-linking treatment in the pivotal Phase 3 GLK-202-02 trial, assessing long-term safety, corneal curvature and visual acuity. Epioxa HD and Epioxa are indicated for epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older with keratoconus, in conjunction with the O2n System and Boost Goggles. Keratoconus causes progressive changes in corneal shape that can impair vision. The three-year findings add to the clinical evidence supporting this treatment approach and reinforce Glaukos’ efforts to advance new therapies for corneal disorders.
Source::Glaukos, press release
