Pharmacia & Upjohn, Prizm Form Alliance

Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc., a Swedish-American drug maker, said it will cooperate with San Diego-based Prizm Pharmaceuticals in developing the ophthalmology drug Pantarin. The protein-based drug is mainly used to treat post-cataract opacification, a condition that appears in 30% to 50% of the 4 million patients annually who have lens-replacement operations after cataract surgery. It works by seeking out and destroying proliferating cells. Pharmacia & Upjohn has injected capital into closely held Prizm and will be responsible for clinical trials, production and worldwide marketing, while Prizm receives payments and royalties.