ThromboGenics - Positive Microplasmin Phase II Data Published in Ophthalmology

LEUVEN, Belgium, February 9 /PRNewswire/ --
- Paper Examines the Potential of Microplasmin to Improve the Treatment of a Range of Back of the Eye Diseases
ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for eye disease, vascular disease and cancer, announces today that the positive microplasmin Phase II trial results, evaluating the product's efficacy and safety in patients who require vitrectomy, have been published in the prestigious American Academy of Ophthalmology's Journal, Ophthalmology, the leading journal for the vitreoretinal community.
A paper entitled "A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Microplasmin Intravitreous Injection to Facilitate Posterior Vitreous Detachment Before Vitrectomy" has been published online ahead of print in Ophthalmology. This publication covers the Phase II trial (MIVI III) with microplasmin, with the objective of evaluating the efficacy and safety of intravitreal microplasmin in facilitating the separation of the vitreous from the retina. The separation of the vitreous from the retina is used to treat a range of back of the eye disorders and is achieved currently via a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy.
The paper showed that the highest dose of microplasmin (125microg) led to a greater likelihood of induction and progression of PVD than placebo injection. Moreover, patients in this dose group had a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity at the 35-day timepoint when compared to placebo. Also, the trial showed that patients receiving microplasmin were significantly more likely not to require vitrectomy surgery to resolve their underlying disease.
The results outlined in the article highlight that microplasmin could be a potential breakthrough for the treatment of certain patients suffering from vitreoretinal pathologic conditions related to vitreomacular adhesion. Vitreomacular adhesion is thought to play a key role in numerous back of the eye conditions such as macular hole formation, and some forms of macular edema. Vitreomacular adhesion is also associated with much poorer prognosis in certain major eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
ThromboGenics is now conducting an extensive Phase III program with microplasmin, referred to as MIVI-TRUST (Microplasmin IntraVitreous Injection - Traction Release without Surgical Treatment), for the non-surgical resolution of focal vitreomacular adhesion. The patient enrollment for the two Phase III trials was completed in 2009 ahead of schedule. The first results from this Phase III program are due in Q2 2010.
For a full discussion of the results from the Phase II trial (MIVI III), please refer to the Ophthalmology article.[1] Further information is also included in the ThromboGenics press release dated 30 June, 2008 (see http://www.thrombogenics.com).
Steve Pakola, MD, Chief Medical Officer of ThromboGenics and co-author of the Ophthalmology paper, commented, "We are very pleased to have had these results with microplasmin published in such a prestigious journal. The Phase II trial data discussed in the paper demonstrate the exciting potential of microplasmin in treating a range of important back of the eye diseases. We very much look forward to announcing the first results from our Phase III program with microplasmin by mid 2010."
About ThromboGenics
ThromboGenics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines for the treatment of eye disease, vascular disease and cancer. The Company's lead product microplasmin is in Phase III clinical development for the non-surgical treatment of back of the eye diseases. Microplasmin is also being evaluated in Phase II clinical development for additional vitreoretinal conditions. In addition, ThromboGenics is developing novel antibody therapeutics in collaboration with BioInvent International; these include TB-402 (Anti-Factor VIII), a long acting anti-coagulant, and TB-403 (anti-PlGF) for cancer.
ThromboGenics has built strong links with the University of Leuven and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and has exclusive rights to certain therapeutics developed at these institutions. ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. The Company is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Brussels under the symbol THR. More information is available at http://www.thrombogenics.com.
Important information about forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report.
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[1] "A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Microplasmin Intravitreous Injection to Facilitate Posterior Vitreous Detachment Before Vitrectomy," Matthew S. Benz, MD, Kirk H. Packo, MD, Victor Gonzalez, MD, Stephen Pakola, MD, Donna Bezner, Julia A. Haller, MD, Steven D. Schwartz, MD, Ophthalmology, Abstract available at http://www.ophsource.org/periodicals/ophtha/article/S0161-6420( 09)01293-7/abstract
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For further information please contact: ThromboGenics Dr. Steve Pakola, CMO, Dr. Patrik De Haes, CEO, Tel: +1(212)201-0920, steve.pakola@thrombogenics.com , Tel: +32-16-75-13-10 , patrik.dehaes@thrombogenics.com; Citigate Dewe Rogerson Amber Bielecka/ David Dible/ Nina Enegren, Tel: +44(0)207-638-95-71, amber.bielecka@citigatedr.co.uk

For further information please contact: ThromboGenics, Dr. Steve Pakola, CMO, Dr. Patrik De Haes, CEO, Tel: +1(212)201-0920, steve.pakola@thrombogenics.com, Tel: +32-16-75-13-10, patrik.dehaes@thrombogenics.com; Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Amber Bielecka/ David Dible/ Nina Enegren, Tel: +44(0)207-638-95-71, amber.bielecka@citigatedr.co.uk