Trial tests microplasmin for easier vitrectomies

Dublin, Ireland-An Irish biotechnology company is hoping recombinant microplasmin will simplify vitrectomy in patients with vitreoretinal disorders.

ThromboGenics Ltd. is enrolling up to 50 patients at three centers in The Nether- lands and Germany for a phase II trial using plasmin for induction of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a process invented by Michael Trese, MD, and George Williams, MD, who own exclusive rights to the ophthalmic use of plasmin through their company, NuVue Technologies. ThromboGenics and NuVue have a formal licensing agreement for plasmin-based compounds used to treat eye diseases.

The trial, which treated the first patient in December, is designed to help investigators determine the dose selection for future clinical trials. ThromboGenics hopes to submit an investigational new drug application to the FDA in 2005.