ABVC BioPharma, Inc. today announced that approval to initiate the Phase II study of its Vitargus® medical device, in Australia, was received from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on February 9, 2023.
FREMONT, CA, Feb. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- ABVC BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABVC), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic solutions in oncology/hematology, CNS, and ophthalmology, today announced that approval to initiate the Phase II study of its Vitargus® medical device, in Australia, was received from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on February 9, 2023. Vitargus is the first biodegradable vitreous substitute to facilitate retina reattachment surgery.
“We are pleased to receive Vitargus Phase II study approval from Australian TGA to enable initiating the study at two prestigious Australian sites,” said Dr. Howard Doong, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “We expect the study to further demonstrate that Vitargus has properties that eliminate the need for post-surgery patient face-down positioning and can provide greater patient comfort and visual acuity during the surgical recovery period.” Dr. Doong further noted that “Since Australia is recognized throughout the world for its advanced biotech research, receiving TGA approval will certainly encourage other countries to permit clinical studies of Vitargus as well.”
The Phase II study entitled “A Perspective Multi-Site Open Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Investigation of the Safety and Effectiveness of ABV-1701 Ocular Endotamponade (OE)” is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of Vitargus for the treatment of uncomplicated retinal detachment when compared to the commonly used SF6 Gas OE. Two Australian sites, Sydney Eye Hospital directed by Professor/Dr. Matthew Simunovic in New South Wales and East Melbourne Eye Group & East Melbourne Retina directed by Dr. Elvis Ojaimi in East Melbourne, will participate in the study. Along with Thai FDA approved Ramathibodi Hospital and Srinagarind Hospital in Thailand, the study will enroll a total of at least 40 subjects.
According to iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc., the global market for retinal surgery devices is expected to reach $3.7 billion by 2027 driven by a rising geriatric population worldwide.
About ABVC BioPharma
ABVC BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with an active pipeline of six drugs and one medical device (ABV-1701/Vitargus®) under development. For its drug products, it is focused on utilizing its licensed technology to conduct proof-of-concept trials through Phase II of the clinical development process at world-famous research institutions (such as Stanford University, University of California at San Francisco, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center). For Vitargus®, the company intends to conduct the clinical trials through Phase III at various locations throughout the globe.
Forward-Looking Statements
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Contact:
Leeds Chow, CFO
Email: leedschow@ambrivis.com
