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Pfizer has begun the first in a series of clinical trials for a new experimental drug for the treatment of glaucoma, according to a statement from development partner NicOx.

The initiation of the trial follows the granting of an investigational new drug approval for PF-03187207 by the US Food and Drug Administration agency.

Drug PF-03187207 is expected to have an increased capacity to reduce high intraocular pressure based on the well-known activities of nitric oxide.

The development of abnormally high IOP, due to blockage or malfunction of systems controlling the amount of fluid in the eye, is believed to be one of the principal causes of glaucoma.

NicOX will receive €1m ($1.3m) from Pfizer, bringing the total it received following their partnership agreement in 2004 to €5m.

Damian Marron, vice-president of corporate development at NicOx, said: 'The granting of the IND and the immediate initiation of the clinical programme are key steps in the development of this important drug candidate, which represents a potential leading treatment for glaucoma.'

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