Sucampo discontinues glaucoma drug

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals will discontinue sales of Rescula (unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic solution) 0.15% effective March 31 to focus on other products.

Approved by the U.S. FDA in 2000, Rescula is indicated for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Sucampo will immediately return all licenses for Rescula to Tokyo-based R-Tech Ueno (RTU), Ltd. 

"Following our exit from commercialization activities for Rescula last year and an analysis of preliminary top-line data from RTU's phase 3 trial of unoprostone isopropyl in retinitis pigmentosa, we have concluded not to continue development of the compound,” said Sucampo CEO Peter Greenleaf. “We believe that the most effective way to increase shareholder value is by prioritizing those development programs for which we see the most significant potential.”

The Maryland-based company will focus on Amitiza (lubiprostone), for the treatment of chronic ideopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and cobiprostone, which is under evaluation for the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease and oral mucositis.