Rebamipide ophthalmic suspension has a new mechanism of action to increase the level of mucin in the tear film covering the conjunctiva and cornea.
The drug was launched In January 2012 for the treatment of dry eye syndrome in Japan as Mucosta ophthalmic suspension UD2%.
Acucela chairman, president and chief executive officer Ryo Kubota said advancing rebamipide ophthalmic suspension into late-stage development is an important milestone for Acucela and for the patients who suffer from the debilitating effects of dry eye.
"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," Kubota added.
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface, and one of the most common diseases treated by ophthalmologists in their daily practices.