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Cerimon initiates phase 2 trial of noninfectious uveitis treatment
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Cerimon Pharmaceuticals has initiated a phase 2 proof-of-concept study of basiliximab for treating noninfectious uveitis, the company announced in a press release.
Simulect (basiliximab) is a monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks interleukin-2 receptors, which inhibit the activation of T-lymphocytes associated with serious immune-related diseases, according to the release.
The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of basiliximab as a maintenance therapy in 56 patients with noninfectious uveitis. These patients will also undergo tapering of concomitant immunosuppressive medications, the release 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," Paul Sekhri, president and chief executive officer of Cerimon Pharmaceuticals, said in the release.
Cerimon entered into an agreement with Novartis in December to conduct the proof-of-concept study for basiliximab, according to the release.
This is Cerimon's second mid-stage trial for the drug.