Agreement covers one Phase II molecule and additional research-stage programs.
NicOx reacquired full development and commercialization rights to clinical-stage glaucoma candidate PF-03187207 from Pfizer along with the rights to a number of other research-stage nitric oxide-donating ophthalmology compounds.
PF-03187207 has completed two Phase II trials in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. NicOx says that it will now evaluate its opportunities for moving PF- 03187207 into Phase III trials, possibly in partnership with a third party.
As part of the deal, NicOx will get the full current data-package and development information for PF-03187202. The company will also be able to access certain proprietary data relating to Pfizer’s Xalatan®, which is marketed for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. NicOx says that the Xalatan data could be important for the future development and regulatory filing of PF-03187207. Phase II trials carried out by Pfizer suggested PF-03187207 may more sustainably lower IOP than Xalatan.
“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to out-license and to allow partner companies to reacquire R&D programs that are no longer core to our strategy but could become important medicines for patients and physicians,” comments David K Rosen, head of out-licensing at Pfizer.
Prizer recorded revenues of over $1.7 billion in 2008 from sales of Xalatan and Xalacom, up 9% from 2007. Xalacom is a fixed combination of Xalatan and the beta blocker timolol.