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Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Bausch + Lomb, and Nicox S.A. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review its New Drug Application (NDA) for VESNEO™ (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution 0.024%), an intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering single-agent eye drop dosed once daily, for patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. If approved, VESNEO will be the first nitric oxide donating prostaglandin receptor agonist available for the above indication.
Upon instillation in the eye, latanoprostene bunod is rapidly metabolized to two actives; latanoprost acid, a prostaglandin analog, and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is an important physiological signaling molecule, which plays a key role in IOP regulation in healthy eyes. VESNEO is thought to increase aqueous humor outflow by acting on both the uveoscleral (non-conventional) pathway via latanoprost acid, and trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal (conventional pathway) via nitric oxide signaling.
VESNEO was licensed by Nicox to Bausch + Lomb.
“The acceptance for review of the VESNEO NDA by the FDA marks an important milestone in our effort to bring a new treatment to patients with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension,” stated J. Michael Pearson, chairman and chief executive officer of Valeant. “It is also another illustration of how Valeant’s robust pipeline continues to be filled by a commitment to innovation driven by significant R&D programs and partnerships focused on the needs of medical professionals and their patients around the world.”
“If granted, the FDA’s approval of VESNEO will clear the way for the first truly novel IOP-lowering medication in years,” said Michele Garufi, chairman and CEO of Nicox. “Open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension represent significant unmet medical needs. The clinical advancement of VESNEO is particularly gratifying as it validates the therapeutic and commercial potential of our proprietary nitric oxide-donating R&D platform, which we will continue to leverage in the development of additional innovative ophthalmic compounds.”
The FDA has set an action date of July 21, 2016 to complete its review, as per the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which can lead to the loss of peripheral vision and eventually total blindness. Glaucoma is frequently linked to abnormally high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, IOP), due to blockage or malfunction of the eye’s drainage system. Abnormally high IOP usually does not cause any symptoms itself, however it can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss over time if left untreated. Drug therapy is used to reduce IOP and therefore prevent further vision loss, typically through either reducing aqueous humor production or by increasing the drainage of intraocular fluid. Several large trials have demonstrated that reducing IOP can prevent the progression of glaucoma in both early and late stages of the disease. A significant proportion of patients with elevated IOP require more than one medication to maintain their IOP within target levels, highlighting the need for more effective treatments.
About Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, gastrointestinal disease, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. can be found at www.valeant.com.
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people’s eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries.
About Nicox
Nicox is an international commercial-stage company focused on the ophthalmic market. With a heritage of innovative R&D, business development and marketing expertise, Nicox is building a diversified portfolio of ophthalmic products that can help people enhance their sight.
Nicox’s advanced pipeline features VESNEO™ for the lowering of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and for which a New Drug Application (NDA) was recently submitted to the FDA by the Company’s licensee Valeant. Our pipeline also features AC-170, a pre-NDA candidate for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, as well as two pre-MAA candidates in Europe: AzaSite® for bacterial conjunctivitis and BromSite™ for pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. Beyond these late-stage candidates, Nicox is developing a pipeline of ophthalmology-focused candidates which utilize its proprietary nitric oxide (NO)-donating research platform. The Group operates directly in six countries, including the United States. It has proprietary commercial operations in Europe’s five largest markets complemented by an expanding international network of distributors.
Nicox is headquartered in France and has more than 130 staff worldwide. It is listed on Euronext Paris (Category B: Mid Caps) and is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma & Bio and Next 150 indexes. For more information on Nicox, its commercial products or pipeline, please visit www.nicox.com.
