Trials begin on drop to heal ocular wounds

Bethesda, MD-The FDA will allow Regene-Rx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. to begin a phase II trial of its Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) for the treatment of diabetic patients undergoing vitrectomy surgery.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will test several dosages of TB4 in 48 diabetic patients at ophthalmic surgical centers and hospitals throughout the United States, according to the company. The sterile eye drop will be administered four times per day for up to 14 days.

The drug, which has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents cell death, has helped accelerate ophthalmic wound healing in laboratory animals.