Preclinical testing has begun on the novel glaucoma treatment recently licensed by
Advanced Refractive Technologies (OTC Bulletin Board: ARFR). This first
step in clinical trials will assess the safety and efficacy of the compound
before the initiation of human trials. The in vitro portion of this testing
will require approximately six months to complete at which time the in vivo
testing will begin. After six months of this in vivo testing, the Phase One
human trials should be underway.
This compound, derived from monoclonal antibodies, works specifically
on one structure of the eye, known as Schlemm’s Canal, in order to improve
the outflow of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma is caused by an increase of
pressure within the eye and can be controlled by either reducing the inflow
of aqueous humor into the eye or increasing the outflow.
Randy Bailey, President and CEO of ART, states, “The most intriguing
aspect of this compound is that it may change the paradigm of glaucoma
treatment which has traditionally been a daily treatment with drops. This
new drug may have the possibility of as few as two treatments per year for
the patient. If this proves to be true, the problem of patient compliance
will be a thing of the past.”
Glaucoma is a serious and common eye disease. A recent study published
by authors from the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins
University stated that there will be 60.5 million people worldwide with the
two most common kinds of glaucoma in 2010 and that number will rise to 79.6
million by 2020.
“The goal of this technology is to specifically target the diseased
tissue in glaucoma with therapeutics to more effectively lower intraocular
pressure,” said W. Daniel Stamer, PhD. Dr. Stamer is a recognized expert in
glaucoma research, having many awards and publications in the area of
intraocular pressure regulation. “Our technology is designed to flush out
debris that inappropriately accumulates in the drain part of glaucomatous
eyes and restore intraocular pressure back to normal levels.”
“Dr. Stamer’s approach offers a new way to control intraocular pressure
in the management of glaucoma and we look forward to his progress. His
unique technology will be a welcome addition and should see broad
acceptance,” said Richard H. Keates, MD, Chairman of the Board of ART.
About Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc.
Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. is an ophthalmology development
company focused on the development and marketing of innovative ophthalmic
applications that will result in faster, safer and more effective
procedures in two of the largest surgical markets in the world: corrective
refractive surgery and cataract surgery, as well as innovative drugs for
glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Advanced Refractive
Technologies is currently in the process of developing their Accupulse, a
next generation cataract emulsifier, which utilizes the company’s
proprietary waterjet technology. The Accupulse cataract emulsifier,
currently under development, is a device that uses pulsed waterjet
technology to remove cataracts — the most frequently performed surgical
procedure in the world. For more information on Advanced Refractive
Technologies, please visit its website at
advancedrefractive.
Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc.
advancedrefractive