Tranilast Kissei Pharmaceutical.

Kissei, in collaboration with SmithKline Beecham, is developing tranilast (Rizaben) as a prophylactic agent for restenosis, following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). As of May 1997, tranilast was awaiting approval in Japan as an oral formulation given for three months following PTCA [246273], [248281]. The agent has been launched for use in allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Analysts had expected the early approval of Rizaben for PTCA-associated restenosis. However, due to delays by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, it is unlikely that Rizaben will be approved until the end of 1998. Sales of Rizaben for the treatment of its launched indications did not reach company expectations. The companies are also developing tranilast, in a nasal spray formulation, as a potential treatment for allergic rhinitis. The drug is in phase II trials for this indication [262810]. EP-00588518 from Kissei discloses the use of tranilast for the treatment of restenosis. Kissei has also filed patents disclosing the use of tranilast for arteriosclerosis (JP-09227371) and diabetic retinopathy (WO-09729744).