Glaucoma Clinical Trials Launched in 2025: A Complete Overview

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Glaucoma Clinical Trials Launched in 2025: A Complete OverviewIntroduction: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting an estimated 76 million people in 2020 (projected to exceed 100 million by 2040) (). Treatment of glaucoma has traditionally focused on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) with medications or surgery to slow vision loss. In recent years research has broadened to include novel drug targets, sustained-release delivery systems, neuroprotective agents and digital health tools. A 2021 analysis of trial registries found that 63% of glaucoma trials were treatment trials – mostly testing medical (IOP-lowering) therapies – with only ~5% targeting neuroprotection (). This year (2025), numerous new trials have begun worldwide, reflecting both that traditional focus and exciting new directions. Below we summarize selected 2025-start trials by category, highlighting their goals, interventions, patient groups, sponsors, locations, and timelines. Notable trends and gaps in these efforts are discussed.Emerging Drug Therapies GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists – drugs already used for diabetes – have shown promise in glaucoma animal models. For example, a 2025 rat study reported that systemic semaglutide delayed IOP elevation and protected retinal neurons in an ocular hypertension model (). Motivated by this, Danish investigators have launched the “ABSALON” trial (NCT06792422) – a Phase 2 study of oral semaglutide in adults with open-angle glaucoma. Sponsored by Glostrup University Hospital (Copenhagen), this trial (first posted Jan 2025) will test whether daily semaglutide can improve retinal function or slow glaucoma progression () (). Patients with established open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension are being enrolled. Results are expected in the next few years.New Eye Drops and Supplements: Beyond GLP-1 drugs, other novel compounds are under study. For example, Ocular Neuroenhancement: Early trials of high-dose vitamin B3 (nicotinamide, a NAD precursor) have shown encouraging retinal effects. A small trial found that 3–4 g/day nicotinamide improved inner retinal function in glaucoma patients (). Building on this, larger trials are underway: one American study is comparing different NAD precursors versus placebo in glaucoma patients (recruiting as of mid-2025). These studies test whether boosting retinal energy metabolism can protect vision () (). Other new eyedrops in phase 1/2 trials include experimental IOP-lowering agents (e.g. novel prostaglandin analogs, rho-kinase inhibitors like H-1337, or nitric oxide donors) and compounds thought to improve optic nerve health. However, detailed results of those are still pending.Oral Medications: In addition to semaglutide, other systemic drugs are being repurposed. Investigators are comparing oral supplements and metabolic drugs for glaucoma. For instance, a planned study will compare nicotinamide riboside (another form of vitamin B3) versus placebo over two years to see if it slows disease. (A prior small trial showed visual improvements with nicotinamide ().) These neuroprotective strategies reflect a trend away from only chasing IOP-lowering toward directly supporting ret