Pfizer discontinues Asian development of glaucoma compound

Pfizer has announced that it does not plan to begin a Phase III trial of its experimental compound PF-03187207 for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Asia. The move follows an announcement in May of this year that, following disappointing Phase II results, Pfizer was to discontinue development of the compound outside of Asia.

The dose-ranging Phase II study of the nitric oxide-donating prostaglandin analogue (developed in conjunction with NicOx SA) failed to achieve its primary endpoint of statistically significant clinical superiority over Xalatan (latanoprost; Pfizer), although PF-03187207 demonstrated better results than Xalatan in terms of diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, and demonstrated good safety and tolerability profiles.

NicOx and Pfizer are currently holding discussions regarding the rights to the compound, and it is thought that any future research regarding nitric oxide-donating technology will concentrate on diabetic retinopathy.