Otsuka and Acucela to commence phase III dry eye drug trial

Otsuka and Acucela are to commence a phase III clinical trial assessing the efficacy of rebamipide ophthalmic suspension in patients with dry eye syndrome.

The placebo-controlled trial will enrol around 560 patients and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

Otsuka's drug functions by increasing the level of mucin in the tear film covering the conjunctiva and cornea and was launched in Japan under the name Mucosta in January 2012.

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface and is one of the most common diseases treated by ophthalmologists in their daily practices.

Dr Ryo Kubota, chairman, president and chief executive officer at Acucela, said: "We are excited about the initiation of this important clinical study for rebamipide, as we continue to advance our pipeline of innovative ophthalmology treatments through the clinic."

Last month, Otsuka announced a new alliance with Kyowa Hakko Kirin to conduct joint research into diabetes and oncology.