Pfizer and pSivida alliance to focus on new implant treatment

Pfizer has announced plans to redefine its ongoing alliance with drug delivery company pSivida to focus on a new implant treatment for eye diseases.

The amendment to the companies' research and development agreement will see the partners concentrating solely on creating a sustained-release system for delivering latanoprost for patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

It will be a bioerodible version of pSivida's proprietary Durasert technology to be injected into the subconjunctival space of the eye, with Pfizer retaining an option to commercialise the product.

This agreement will see Pfizer assist with the ongoing clinical development of the implant, while pSivida will be free to commercialise it on its own or with a new partner if Pfizer chooses not to exercise its option.

Yvonne Greenstreet, senior vice-president and head of the medicines development group for Pfizer's specialty care business unit, said: "Using pSivida's unique drug-delivery technology to deliver latanoprost could play a significant role in addressing compliance issues associated with a daily eye drop regimen for the treatment of glaucoma."

Last month, it was announced that Pfizer will partner with contract research organisations Icon and Parexel, which will provide clinical trial implementation services over a five-year period.