SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Preclinical testing has begun on the novel glaucoma treatment recently licensed by Advanced Refractive Technologies (OTCBB: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 http://www.advancedrefractive.com.
The Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2498.