OXiGENE, Inc. has announced that it has begun a phase 2 study of its vascular disrupting agent (VDA) drug candidate ZYBRESTAT in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Current treatments for AMD do have limited effects for patients with PCV; however, the researchers at OXiGENE feel that the abnormal vasculature may be susceptible to treatment with ZYBRESTAT.

The phase 2 FAVOR (Fosbretabulin Against Vasculopathy of the Retina/choroid) study is a single-dose, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial that will be conducted in multiple countries in Asia and with an expected enrollment of 40 patients. The study will evaluate the effects of ZYBRESTAT on PCV by looking at the change in the number of polypoid lesions as measured by ICG as well as changes in the vascular network, edema and retinal thickness. A top-line data announcement from the trial is planned in the first half of 2010.

If the results for FAVOR study and other preclinical studies are favorable, OXiGENE looks to further the development of a topically applied formulation of ZYBRESTAT for the treatment of PCV and other conditions.

Read ^[1] the release.