Alcon initiates anecortave acetate trials for AMD

Alcon Inc. is initiating two phase III studiesof its anecortave acetate for depot suspension (Retaane) for treatment ofage-related macular degeneration (AMD). The trials aim to evaluate the safetyand efficacy of treatment every 6 months with the investigational drug versusplacebo in a group of patients with advanced dry AMD who are at risk ofprogressing to wet AMD. Following completion of enrollment, the studieswill occur over a period of 4 years and will include about 2,500 patientsenrolled at 100 sites worldwide. Enrollment is scheduled to begin in January2004.