In recent issues we’ve reported on the increasing number of the liaisons between the pharmaceutical industry and ophthalmology. But it’s not all plain sailing. Lpath, a San Diego, California-based biotech firm is currently developing a therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) called iSONEP. Pfizer had an exclusive option for a worldwide license to develop and commercialize iSONEP but Lpath recently received notification that the world’s biggest pharmaceutical company wants to divest its commercial interests in ophthalmology, including its exclusive option on iSONEP.
Why might Pfizer be withdrawing from ophthalmology? Eight years ago, the company had petaganib (Macugen), the first anti-VEGF therapy to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of wet AMD. They had a thriving ophthalmology section to support, develop and market their groundbreaking drug. Then Genentech/ Novartis brought out ranibizumab. Petaganib slowed VA decline in patients, but could not stop it. When used appropriately, ranibizumab could, and so Pfizer saw its drug’s market share drop into single digit percentages. Was this the turning point that dulled the luster of ophthalmology for Pfizer?
