LUX BEGINS TRIALS OF DRUG FOR UVEITIS

Lux Biosciences has begun treating patients in its LUMINATE trial program. The pivotal trial program, which consists of three controlled, double-blind studies, is investigating the use of LX211 in different forms of active uveitis and to maintain control in patients with quiescent disease. Uveitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the eye.

Lux Biosciences is conducting each of the three LUMINATE protocols in parallel with a high degree of overlap among study sites, with approximately 45 sites in North America, Europe and India. The company expects to enroll a total of more than 500 patients. Efficacy is measured at six months assessing the degree of inflammation, utilizing standardized scales for evaluation of inflammation in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

Each of the trials targets a different patient population, including patients who are currently controlled by steroids and/or steroid-sparing agents. The company plans to complete enrollment in the trial program by early 2008 and to seek regulatory approval for LX211 in late 2008.

LX211 is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor to which Lux Biosciences has an exclusive worldwide license for ophthalmic indications from Isotechnika. Isotechnika is currently investigating ISA247 in Phase III clinical trials in psoriasis patients, and in a Phase IIb clinical trial in solid organ transplant recipients. In addition to uveitis, Lux plans to develop this molecule in other ophthalmic indications, including dry eye syndrome and age-related macular degeneration.