NEW YORK (AP) – Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc. has reported positive data from a trial of its eye drug Optina.

Ampio said the study confirmed that larger doses of Optina were more effective for patients with higher body mass index ratings, and lower doses of the drug were more effective for patients with lower BMI numbers. It said some doses of Optina were significantly more effective than placebo at reducing swelling of the retina regardless of the patient’s BMI.

The Greenwood Village, Colo., company said the results come from a small trial involving 32 patients. It plans to meet with the Food and Drug Administration in July to discuss further testing of Optina.

The drug is intended to treat diabetic macular edema, or swelling of the macula of the eye. It is a common cause of blurred vision and blindness. Ampio said almost all type 1 diabetes patients and most type 2 diabetes patients eventually develop the condition, but there is no drug to treat it – although conditions that control diabetes symptoms are effective.
Ampio’s other drug candidates include the premature ejaculation treatment Zertane and the inflammation drug Ampion.

Date: June 11, 2012
Source: Associated Press