Phase II trial tests mifepristone

Boston-Global bio-nanotech company pSivida Ltd. has begun a phase II clinical trial of the steroid receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486) as an eye-drop treatment for steroid-associated elevated IOP. The investigator-sponsored trial is expected to involve up to 45 patients in the United States.

In other news, another company product, Retisert, is licensed to Bausch & Lomb as the only FDA-approved sustained-release back-of-the-eye treatment for uveitis.

A next-generation product of the company, Medidur, is in phase III clinical trials and is licensed to Alimera Sciences for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Medidur is injected into the eye through a standard-gauge needle in an office procedure rather than via a surgical procedure such as Retisert.