Phase III trials begin for steroid compound

Tampa-Sirion Therapeutics Inc. has begun enrolling patients in two phase III clinical trials to evaluate difluprednate (ST-601), a steroid compound to treat inflammation after ocular surgery.

Sirion acquired the drug last year through an exclusive licensing agreement with Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Japan. The deal gave Sirion U.S. rights to develop and market a topical ophthalmic emulsion containing difluprednate for the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases.