Alcon deems IOP reduction treatment not viable

Alcon has determined a treatment for intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma to be unviable as a novel approach to the problem of patients not compliant with eye drops.

The development of anecortave acetate has been discontinued after detailed analysis and advice from experts determined the responder rate and amount of IOP reduction needed were not sufficiently supportive.

An interim safety and efficacy trial including data from over 200 patients confirmed the solution reduced IOP for longer periods of time from a single anterior juxtascleral injection.

But after further review, Alcon has decided to halt further moves to develop this as a treatment and said it was disappointed because the results showed potential for helping glaucoma patients.

“However, we will continue our efforts to address the issues of efficacy, patient compliance and other unmet medical needs in the treatment of glaucoma in concert with leading independent researchers around the world,” explained Alcon’s senior vice-president of research and development Dr Sabri Markabi, who is also chief medical officer.

Currently, the company is majority-owned by Nestle SA and employs more than 15,000 people worldwide.