The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Simulect as maintenance therapy in 56 patients. During the study, patients will undergo tapering of concomitant immunosuppressive medications, the mainstay of treatments for noninfectious uveitis.
This is the second mid-stage trial for basiliximab run by Cerimon, which began a Phase IIb study for patients with moderate-to-severe, steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis in April 2007.
Paul Sekhri, president and CEO of Cerimon, said: “In noninfectious 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.”