Nicox and Bausch + Lomb to co-promote latanoprostene bunod for glaucoma

International opthalmic company Nicox (NYSE Euronext Paris: COX) is to co-promote latanoprostene bunod with Bausch + Lomb, the eyecare division of Quebec, Canada-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

Under the licensing agreement worth a potential $180 million signed in 2010, Nicox could choose to co-promote the product in the USA, and as of Tuesday, has notified Bausch + Lomb of its decision to exercise this option.

Latanoprostene bunod is in Phase III clinical development for the potential dtreatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and was licensed by Nicox to Bausch + Lomb in 2010. The Phase III program includes two studies pivotal for registration in the USA, and Valeant has recently said it expects top-line efficacy results from both of these by the fourth quarter of 2014. It believes latanoprostene bunod could be launched in the USA in 2016.