Cerimon begins Ph II POC trial for eye inflammation disease

San Francisco, USA-based Cerimon Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase II proof-of-concept study of Simulect (basiliximab) for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis, a chronic and potentially sight-threatening inflammation of the eye.

The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Simulect as maintenance therapy in 56 patients. This is the second mid-stage trial for basiliximab run by Cerimon, which began a Phase IIb study in patients with moderate-to-severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis in April 2007.

"The initiation of this proof-of-concept study is part of our overall strategy to seek additional indications for already-marketed drugs in areas with significant unmet medical needs," stated Paul Sekhri, chief executive of Cerimon. "In non-infectious uveitis, we believe Simulect has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients by reducing adverse events often associated with oral or topical corticosteroids while maintaining effective control of their inflammation," he added.