Nicox, Bausch + Lomb deal

NicOx granted Bausch + Lomb exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize NCX 116 (formerly PF-03187207) to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. NicOx will receive $10 million up front and is eligible for up to $169.5 million in milestones, plus double-digit royalties. NicOx has an option to co-promote NCX 116 in the U.S. Last year, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE, New York, N.Y.) returned rights to the nitric oxide (NO) donating derivative of a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog. Pfizer had decided not to move forward with Phase III development of the compound after a Phase II trial for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension failed to show significant superiority to the pharma's Xalatan latanoprost (see BioCentury, Aug. 10, 2009). ...