Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biotechnology company with a primary focus in oncology, announced that it is discontinuing development of ozarelix in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

"While ozarelix is a potent GnRH antagonist, low-dose intermittent therapy has been disappointing in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH. As a result, we have made the strategic decision to discontinue the ozarelix BPH programme," said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, MD, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. "By discontinuing the ozarelix programme, the savings of more than $40 million we had budgeted for the clinical trials and other related costs will help us advance other programs that have the greatest likelihood of commercial success in providing patients with more effective treatment options. This is part of a concerted effort at streamlining and prioritizing our portfolio."

Ozarelix, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist, was in late stage trials for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. However, the mixed results of the company's earlier phase 2b study and the recently announced failure of AEterna Zentaris's large, phase 3, registrational trial of cetrorelix (another LHRH antagonist) in BPH does not support continued development in this indication.