TargeGen initiates trial of topical AMD drug

San Diego-TargeGen Inc. has initiated a single-site phase I clinical trial involving TG100801, a small molecule, topically applied multi-targeted kinase inhibitor for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other debilitating diseases of the eye.

The trial, involving approximately 45 subjects, is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2007. The company said it hopes to initiate phase II studies with TG100801 in mid-2007.

TG100801, applied daily in eye drop form, is designed to suppress disease-related edema, angiogenesis and inflammation. Currently approved therapies for AMD require repeated injection into the eye and typically act on only VEGF-mediated retinal leakage.