Designated a CB2 agonist, the drug was discontinued alongside ralmitaront, another pipeline drug which was similarly in Phase II trials. Credit: Shutterstock / Yuri A

Swiss-based company Roche has discontinued an oral diabetic retinopathy treatment after having cleared Phase II studies.

In a presentation to investors, Roche confirmed that it would no longer be investing in vicasinabin, an orally administered alternative to traditional methods of treating diabetic retinopathy.

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Designated a CB2 agonist, the drug was discontinued alongside ralmitaront, another pipeline drug previously in Phase II studies as well.

This decision follows a Phase II trial into the drug, also known as RG7774, which saw its Phase Transition Success Rate raised to 46% in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) after a Phase II trial (NCT04265261) was completed on 25 July.

The randomised, double-blind study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and effect of oral administration of RG7774 on the severity of diabetic retinopathy in 104 participants with moderately severe to severe NPDR and good vision.

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Earlier this year, Kodiak Sciences similarly discontinued tarcocimab, a drug that was not as successful in diabetic macular oedema trials. At the same time, Kodiak is yet to announce one-year primary endpoint data from another Phase III trial in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Dubbed GLOW, data from the trial is set to be released in Q4 2023.

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Additionally, Ocuphire Pharma has an oral candidate, APX3330, that has similarly cleared Phase II studies for diabetic retinopathy.

GlobalData forecasts the sales for vicasinabin at $3m by 2026, with that number having been expected to grow to around $65m. At present, there are currently nine other marketed drugs aimed at the same indication. At present, GlobalData’s estimation of the market size for drugs in the indication of NPDR stands at $8.5bn by 2029.