Icon Bioscience Initiates Phase 2/3 Pivotal Clinical Study of Novel Ophthalmic Drug Candidate

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Icon Bioscience, Inc., (IBI), a privately held biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and commercialization of novel ophthalmic pharmaceuticals announced today that it has initiated its Phase 2/3 pivotal clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of IBI-10090 in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

IBI-10090 is a novel anti-inflammatory drug product, based on IBI's proprietary Verisome(TM) drug delivery platform technology, administered as a single injection into the anterior chamber of the eye that is designed to last approximately two to three weeks. IBI-10090 reduces the inflammation normally associated with cataract surgery and speeds the recovery of patients without the need for multiple daily topical eye drops. The pivotal trial involves multiple clinical sites throughout the United States and will enroll over 200 patients.

"We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone. IBI-10090 is our first product to reach the Phase 2/3 pivotal stage of clinical development," said William S. White, Chief Executive Officer of Icon Bioscience, Inc. "We believe IBI-10090 will offer patients and physicians a clinically superior alternative to the use of topical anti-inflammatory eye drops."

About the Verisome(TM) Drug Delivery Technology

The Verisome drug delivery technology was invented by the Founder of Icon Bioscience, Inc., Vernon G. Wong, MD. The technology encompasses over 20 related, but distinct, novel and proprietary drug delivery systems. Highly versatile, it is capable of incorporating a broad range of active agents including small molecules, proteins and monoclonal antibodies and deliver drugs in a controlled release manner for up to a year with a single injection.

About Icon Bioscience, Inc.

Icon Bioscience, Inc., (IBI), is a privately held biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and commercialization of novel ophthalmic pharmaceuticals based on its Verisome drug delivery platform technology. IBI is developing a broad portfolio of clinically superior specialty pharmaceuticals targeting all major ophthalmic indications including macular edema, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataract surgery. In addition to IBI-10090, IBI-20089 has completed its initial clinical trial in patients with cystoid macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. It is designed to deliver triamcinolone for up to a year with a single intravitreal injection. IBI anticipates two more products will enter clinical trials in 2010. IBI has also entered into agreements with multiple international pharmaceutical companies interested in the use of the Verisome technology for its own ophthalmic products.

For more information, please refer to www.iconbioscience.com

    Contact:  Icon Bioscience, Inc.

    William S. (Sandy) White
    Phone:  408-734-8188   Ext. 14
    Email:  [email protected]

SOURCE Icon Bioscience, Inc.