Otsuka, Acucela Introduced the Primary Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Rebamipide Ophthalmic Suspension

Acucela Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company for the purpose of developing new therapies for blinding eye diseases, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., introduced the initiation of the Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate rebamipide ophthalmic suspension in affected individuals with dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye is most definately a multifactorial disorder of the tears and ocular surface, billed as one of the commonest sicknesses handled by ophthalmologists with their daily practices. In accordance with the 2011 Market Scope Dry Eye Report, 25 million people in America and 370 million affected individuals internationally are afflicted by dry eye.

Rebamipide ophthalmic suspension serves as a novel compound found out by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and also has a brand new mechanism of action to improve the extent of mucin in the tear film protecting the conjunctiva and cornea. In January 2012, the medication appeared to be launched regarding the treatment of dry eye illness in Japan as Mucosta ophthalmic suspension UD2%.

Subjective symptoms of dehydrated eye vary and might include dryness, foreign whole body sensation, itching, burning sensation, eye discomfort and photophobia. Superior dry eye syndrome can lead to severe problems and ocular surface damage that may result in diminished vision.

"Furthering rebamipide ophthalmic suspension into late-stage development is definitely an exciting and important goal for Acucela and for the affected individuals who suffer direct from debilitating effects of dry eye," said Ryo Kubota, MD, PhD, chairman, president, and CEO, Acucela Inc.