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SARcode begins phase 1 trial of novel compound for ocular inflammatory disease
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — SARcode Corporation has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial of a small molecule LFA-1 product candidate with indications for T-cell-mediated ophthalmic diseases, according to a joint press release from SARcode and Sunesis Pharmaceuticals.
LFA-1 antagonists mediate the migration and adhesion of white blood cells to inflammatory sites during the body's immune response and may be indicated for treating dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis, the release said.
Sunesis and SARcode, the co-developers of the drug, entered into a license agreement in March 2006 under which SARcode has an exclusive license to develop LFA-1 inhibitors using Sunesis' LFA-1 technology, the release said.
Under the agreement, SARcode has paid Sunesis a $500,000 milestone payment as well as a $375,000 convertible note. The next payable milestone would be for initiation of a phase 2 clinical program for the compound.