Pfizer halts diabetes drug tests, cites renal toxicity

13 October 2000 16:45  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--Pfizer is suspending development of zenarestat, its experimental treatment for nerve damage resulting from diabetes, following disappointing results from two large trials, the company said Friday.

Pfizer said it based its decision to suspend development of its aldose reductase inhibitor research candidate for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy after reviewing safety trial data.

Said Pfizer: "In a small number of patients in these early Phase III trials, zenarestat was noted to have potential renal toxicity, which appears to be dose dependent with the majority of cases at the highest dose."

Drug researchers have evaluated many aldose reductase inhibitors over the years in clinical trials, Pfizer said, but none have been approved for use in the US.

The company said zenarestat was shown in Phase II clinical development "to have a beneficial effect on nerve condition velocity, findings which were confirmed in an interim efficacy analysis of one of these trials. These efficacy findings are important with regard to our overall continuing research programs."

The New York City-based company said it was continuing to seek new therapies for diabetes.

It is in Phase III development of inhaled insulin, a novel device and formulation that delivers insulin by inhalation. Pfizer also has several novel approaches to other diabetes treatments in early stages of development.

Shares of Pfizer were off $1.25 to $43.38 at midday.

By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653

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