Dry Eye Disease - Encouraging Results of SAR 1118 Study

SARcode Corporation presented data today for their lead investigational molecule, SAR 1118.

In a Phase 2 dry eye trial, subjects receiving SAR 1118 demonstrated a reduction in corneal staining, increased tear production, and improved visual-related function as compared to placebo. These data were part of the scientific program of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. SAR 1118 is a first-in-class topically administered small molecule integrin antagonist that inhibits T-cell mediated inflammation, a key component of dry eye disease.

In the randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial, which included 230 subjects with dry eye disease, SAR 1118 demonstrated dose-dependent significant improvements (p<0.05) in inferior corneal staining over 12 weeks. As early as two weeks, a statistically significant(p<0.05) increase in tear production and improvement in visual-related functions (ability to read, drive at night, use a computer, and watch television) were observed, demonstrating early onset of action. Visual-related function was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a validated instrument designed to measure the severity of dry eye disease and the impact on vision-related function and quality of life. SAR 1118 was safe and well-tolerated with no serious ocular adverse events reported. Most ocular adverse events were transient and related to initial instillation.

"We are encouraged by the clinical effects of SAR 1118 in improving both signs and symptoms of dry eye, which supports the broad anti-inflammatory mechanism of this novel molecule," commented Charles Semba, MD, Chief Medical Officer of SARcode Corporation. "We are excited to begin Phase 3 development in the later part of 2011, and have discussed appropriate and acceptable endpoints with the regulatory bodies to facilitate a smooth path towards approval."

"It is well known that dry eye disease can have a deleterious effect on visual function, daily activities, workplace productivity, and quality of life. The potential to impact a patient's quality of life in as early as 2 weeks could be a major advance in the current dry eye treatment model," said Quinton Oswald, Chief Executive Officer of SARcode Corporation. "We hope to achieve similar results in our Phase 3 program."

About Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a prevalent and often chronic condition estimated to affect approximately 20 million people in the US. It is among the most common diseases treated by ophthalmologists throughout the world, and has been shown to have a significant impact upon quality of life. Dry eye varies in severity and etiology, and symptoms most commonly manifest as discomfort, visual disturbances, and tear film instability due to decreased quality or quantity of tears. A major contributing factor towards the development of dry eye is inflammation caused by T-cell infiltration, proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production that can lead to reduction in tear film quality and ocular surface damage.

About SAR 1118 - SAR 1118 is a potent novel small molecule lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18; alphaLbeta2) antagonist under investigation for a broad range of ocular inflammatory conditions including dry eye and diabetic macular edema. LFA-1 is member of the integrin family of adhesion receptors found on the surface of all leukocytes and represents a therapeutic target central to a number of inflammatory stimuli. SAR 1118 has demonstrated potency in blocking LFA-1 binding to its cognate ligand, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54), thereby inhibiting cell adhesion, cytokine production, and cellular proliferation in in vitro models.

About SARcode Corporation - SARcode Corporation, founded in 2006, is a venture-backed ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company based in Brisbane, CA. SARcode's lead development program is a novel class of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists for the treatment T-cell mediated inflammatory diseases. Institutional investors include Alta Partners and Clarus Venture Partners. For more information, visit www.sarcode.com