BUSINESS WIRE
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SARcode Corporation, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused
on developing small molecule LFA-1 antagonists to treat inflammatory
diseases, today announced the completion of a Phase 1 study of the
safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of its lead molecule, SAR
1118 in healthy human subjects. The full set of Phase 1 data is
anticipated to be presented at a major ophthalmology meeting in the
spring of 2009.
“The completion of the Phase 1 study represents the first-in-man
experience for SAR 1118 and an important step toward the development of
a novel therapy for ocular inflammation,” said Tom Gadek, Ph.D., Chief
Executive Officer of SARcode Corporation. “Based upon the overall
profile from the Phase 1 study, we will be designing the Phase 2
programs for dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis anticipated to start in
the first half of 2009.”
SAR 1118 is a potent small molecule lymphocyte function-associated
antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18; αLβ2) antagonist that can be targeted
against a broad range of ocular inflammatory conditions including dry
eye, allergies, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular
degeneration. LFA-1 is an integrin found on all leukocytes and
represents a therapeutic target of the immune system central to a number
of inflammatory stimuli, whether mediated by cytokines, prostaglandins,
leukotrienes or complement. SAR 1118 has demonstrated significant
potency in in vitro models in inhibiting cell adhesion, cytokine
production, and cellular proliferation. Topical ophthalmic solution of
SAR 1118 has shown a significant reduction of ocular surface
inflammation and improved aqueous tear production in canine dry eye
disease. SAR 1118 was discovered by Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Nasdaq: SNSS) and licensed to SARcode. As part of the licensing
agreement, Sunesis will receive an additional milestone payment upon the
initiation of the Phase 2 clinical program.
About Dry Eye
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a multifactorial disease of the
tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual
disturbance and tear film instability with potential to damage the
ocular surface. It is accompanied by increased osmolarity of the tear
film and inflammation of the ocular surface (Dry Eye Work Shop (DEWS),
2007). According to the DEWS report, approximately 5 million patients 50
years and older have moderate to severe dry eye. A major contributing
factor towards the development of dry eye is T-cell mediated disease and
inflammatory cytokine production that leads to reduction in tear film
quality and ocular surface inflammation. LFA-1 regulates T-cell
adhesion, migration, proliferation, and cytokine production.
About SARcode
SARcode is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development of best in class small molecule LFA-1 antagonists as novel
nonsteroidal immunomodulators/anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment
of T-cell mediated inflammatory diseases. For additional information on
SARcode Corporation, please visit http://www.sarcode.com.