Oxigene’s ophthalmic drug found effective in primate study

The study indicates that two formulations of Zybrestat, when applied topically to the surface of the eye, are absorbed and result in concentrations of drug in target tissues in the back of the eye (the retina and choroid) that are well within the expected therapeutic range.

The company believes the formulations will be appropriate for age-related macular degeneration and other potential eye diseases and conditions in which abnormal neovascularization plays a key role. Based on these results, Oxigene plans to file an IND for the Zybrestat topical ophthalmology program by mid-year 2008.