Pfizer suspends zenarestat development

PFE suspended development of its zenarestat aldose reductase inhibitor to treat diabetic neuropathy based on safety data from two Phase III trials in 3,700 patients. According to PFE, zenarestat showed dose-dependent renal toxicity in a small number of patients in these trials. PFE said the compound did have positive effects on nerve conduction velocity in Phase II studies, which also were seen in an interim analysis of one of the Phase III trials, and that the company is evaluating whether to continue development of the compound. Warner-Lambert Co., which was acquired by PFE this year, licensed U.S. and European rights to zenarestat from Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan). ...