Schwarz Pharma discontinues the clinical phase II trial with the molecule RBx 2258 - Pamirosin (SPM 969), outlicensed by Ranbaxy Laboratories, India to Schwarz Pharma for the treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), due to unclear preclinical findings. Until final resolution, the development programme has been put on hold.

At present, the pre-clinical findings need further evaluation. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure Schwarz Pharma has decided to put the clinical development programme on hold until final resolution, the company said in a release.

This decision will not affect the financial guidance for fiscal year 2004.
Schwarz Pharma develops innovative drugs with the focus on neurology and urology. There are currently seven projects in clinical development, the release added.

Ranbaxy has informed the developments to BSE.

Earlier, in a similar incident, Novo Nordisk of Denmark announced that it was discontinuing the development of a molecule licensed to it by Dr Reddy's Laboratories.