Pharmaceutical Business review

Alcon ends macular degeneration drug development program

The decision followed a planned interim analysis of studies C-02-60 A and B that was performed after 2,546 patients had completed the 24 month time point. In this analysis, anecortave acetate showed no effect on the primary or secondary endpoints.

In addition to terminating studies C-02-60 A and B, the company also terminated two smaller studies with an identical design that were being conducted in Asia, C-04-30 and C-05-34.

The company continues to study anecortave acetate administered as an anterior juxtascleral depot to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma.