Drug news: Rebamipide resuscitation?

Back in March, Novartis listed Rebamipide in its financials as a terminated project, so I assumed that clinically, it really had bitten the dust.

But apparently only according to Novartis. Otsuka (with whom Novartis had a licensing arrangement dating to 2005) is going to continue developing it, this time with new partner Acucela, a small Japanese company focused - until now - on retinal disease treatments.

I wish them all the best of luck. I used to hear some good things about rebamipide results from some doctors and patients participating in the trials, but then it all went dark except for some rumours about mismanagement of the trials. Hopefully it will all fare better this time around.

Acucela and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Enter Co-Development Agreement for Rebamipide Ophthalmic Suspension for Dry Eye

BOTHELL, Wash. & TOKYO, Sep 04, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Acucela Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to co-develop Rebamipide ophthalmic suspension (hereinafter, Rebamipide), Otsuka's proprietary compound for the treatment of dry eye which is currently in Phase III clinical development in the United States.