Mimetogen initiates MIM-D3 Phase II clinical trial for dry eye disease

Mimetogen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel small molecule compounds that mimic the effects of neurotrophins, today announced that it has initiated the first human clinical trial evaluating MIM-D3, a mimetic of nerve growth factor (NGF), in a Phase II clinical trial in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease. MIM-D3 is a small cyclic peptidomimetic of NGF, a naturally occurring protein in the eye that is responsible for the maintenance of corneal nerves and epithelium, mucin and tear production.

"This is a key development milestone for Mimetogen, as this trial represents the first use of small molecule mimetics of neurotrophins to treat an ocular disease. Encouraging data in animal models of dry eye suggests that the use of neurotrophin mimetics to treat dry eye and other degenerative ocular indications such as glaucoma is an important new approach to treat ocular diseases for which there are currently very limited treatment options, said Garth Cumberlidge, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Mimetogen. "We are excited to have initiated this study, and anticipate receiving data in mid-2011."

This 150 patient randomized, double-masked, multi-center, placebo-controlled study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MIM-D3 in improving the signs and symptoms of dry eye.