B+L, Nicox glaucoma candidate meets primary endpoint in phase III studies

Laval, Quebec and Sophia Antipolis, France-Valeant Pharmaceuticals International’s wholly owned subsidiary, Bausch + Lomb, and Nicox S.A. have announced positive top-line results from the pivotal phase III studies conducted with latanoprostene bunod (Vesneo, previously known as BOL-303259-X and NCX 116) for the reduction of IOP in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The treatment is a novel nitric oxide-donating prostaglandin F2-alpha analog licensed by Nicox to Bausch + Lomb. The studies met their primary endpoint and showed positive results on a number of secondary endpoints, according to the companies.

More in this issue: Results positive for B+L sub-micron gel formulation of loteprednol etabonate

"Valeant is committed to innovation in healthcare and continues to fund important research and development (R&D) programs that will bring benefits to physicians and the patients they serve," said J. Michael Pearson, chairman and chief executive officer of Valeant. "We are pleased with the phase III program top line results and look forward to continuing to advance the (treatment) program as part of this commitment. We are proud of our R&D team who has worked diligently over the past 4 years to bring this program to successful completion.

“We are pursuing development plans and programs for other priority markets around the world,” Pearson continued.

Additionally, Nicox has completed the acquisition of Doliage, a privately held French ophthalmic company.

According to the company, the acquisition is part of Nicox’s strategy to develop an ophthalmic commercial infrastructure in the five major European markets.

The company also completed the acquisition of the Carragelose anti-viral eye drop program from Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH.

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