Ocular Hypotensive Properties and Biochemical Profile of QLS-101, a Novel ATP-Sensitive Potassium (K(ATP)) Channel Opening Prodrug

PURPOSE: To characterize the ocular hypotensive and pharmacological properties of QLS-101, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel opening prodrug. METHODS: Ocular hypotensive properties of QLS-101 were evaluated by measuring IOP with a handheld rebound tonometer after daily topical ocular instillation of 0.2% (n = 5) or 0.4% QLS-101 (n = 10) in C57BL/6J mice. K(ATP) channel specificity was characterized in HEK-293 cells stably expressing human K(ir)6.2/SUR2B subunits and assessed for off-target interactions using a receptor binding screen. Conversion of QLS-101 prodrug to its active moiety, levcromakalim, was evaluated in vitro using human ocular tissues and plasma samples and after incubation with human phosphatase enzymes (2.0 nM-1.0 µM). RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice treated once daily with 0.2% QLS-101 exhibited significant (P < 0.01) IOP reductions of 2.1 ± 0.4 mmHg after five days; however, a daily attenuation of the effect was noted by 23h post-dose. By comparison, treatment with 0.4% QLS-101 lowered IOP by 4.8 ± 0.7 mm Hg (P < 0.0001) which was sustained for 24 hours. Unlike levcromakalim, QLS-101 failed to induce K(ATP) channel activity in HEK-K(ir)6.2/SUR2B cells consistent with its development as a prodrug. No off-target receptor effects were detected with either compound. In vitro ocular tissue conversion of QLS-101 prodrug was identified in human iris, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, and sclera. Alkaline phosphatase was found to convert QLS-101 (mean K(m) = 630 µM, k(cat) = 15 min(−1)) to levcromakalim. CONCLUSIONS: QLS-101 is a novel K(ATP) channel opening prodrug that when converted to levcromakalim shows 24-hour IOP lowering after once-daily topical ocular administration.