A number of 17-phenyl trinor prostaglandin F_2α(17-phenyl trinor PGF_2α) derivatives have been approved for the treatment of glaucoma.^1,2,3Of these, the ones wherein the 13,14-double bond has been hydrogenated retain relatively good potency, but show a significantly reduced incidence of local irritant side effects.⁴17-trifluoromethylphenyl-13,14-dihydro trinor PGF_2αbears an aromatic ring which is reminiscent of the trifluoromethyl-phenoxy ring of travoprost ((+)-fluprostenol isopropyl ester). As an ocular hypotensive agent, it would be expected that 17-trifluoromethylphenyl-13,14-dihydro trinor PGF_2αwould act very much like the free acid of latanoprost.

1.Woodward, D.F., Krauss, A.H.P., Chen, J., et al.The pharmacology of Bimatoprost (LumiganTM)Survey of Ophthalmology45S337-S345(2001) 2.Stjernschantz, J.W.From PGF2α-isopropyl ester to latanoprost: A review of the development of xalatan. The proper lectureInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science42(6)1134-1145(2001) 3.Sorbera, L.A., and CastaÑer, J.TravoprostDrugs Future25(1)41-45(2000) 4.Resul, B., Stjernschantz, J., No, K., et al.Phenyl-substituted prostaglandins: Potent and selective antiglaucoma agentsJournal of Medicinal Chemistry36243-248(1993)