ATLANTA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Alimera Sciences, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, today reported that enrollment has begun for a pilot study to assess the safety and efficacy of Iluvien(R) in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.
About Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a common vascular disorder of the retina, is one of the most common causes of blindness after diabetic retinopathy. RVO occurs when the circulation of a retinal vein (central or branch) becomes obstructed. This occlusion can ultimately cause capillary leakage leading to macular edema, which is the leading cause of visual loss in RVO.
Iluvien is an investigative, extended release intravitreal insert that Alimera is developing for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Each Iluvien insert is designed to provide a sustained therapeutic effect of up to 36 months, for the low dose of Iluvien, and up to 24 months, for the high dose of Iluvien. Iluvien is inserted into the patient's eye with a 25-gauge needle, which allows for a self-sealing wound. This insertion is very similar to an intravitreal injection, a procedure commonly employed by retinal specialists.
Alimera Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Presently the company is focused on diseases affecting the back of the eye, or retina. Its most advanced product candidate is Iluvien, which is being developed for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, or DME.
Alimera also has entered into an exclusive worldwide agreement with Emory University to explore oxidative stress management -- specifically the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- as a treatment strategy for ophthalmic diseases. Under this agreement, Alimera has acquired options to exclusive, worldwide licenses for two classes of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors, which Alimera is studying as potential treatments for conditions such as the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly the late stage of this condition known as geographic atrophy. Alimera has exercised its option to acquire a license with respect to one of these classes of NADPH oxidase inhibitors.
SOURCE Alimera Sciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Katie Brazel of Fleishman-Hillard, +1-404-739-0150,
katie.brazel@fleishman.com, for Alimera Sciences , Inc.
Web site: http://www.alimerasciences.com/
