Alcon Discontinues Trials For Anecortave Acetate

Alcon has discontinued development of anecortave acetate meant for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma. The company recently reviewed interim efficacy and safety data from more than 200 patients in controlled phase 2 trial.

These data confirmed previous pilot clinical results that anecortave acetate applied through a single anterior juxtascleral injection, measurably reduced IOP for an extended period of time. However, based on a detailed analysis of the data, the company determined that the amount of IOP reduction and the responder rate provided by the highest dose were not sufficient to support the approach.

Sabri Markabi, Senior Vice President of R&D, and CMO at Alcon, said: “While the results show the possibility of alternative, longer term delivery for glaucoma patients, we are disappointed that anecortave acetate did not prove to have sufficient IOP reduction efficacy to be a successful treatment.

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,” he added.