Altacor Adds Nutritional AMD Product to Portfolio
By Altacor Ltd, PRNEWednesday, April 20, 2011
CAMBRIDGE, England, April 21, 2011 - Altacor has concluded an exclusive worldwide licensing
agreement with Ophthalmopharma for the Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
nutritional product EYEBAR(R). This is the second in a series of transactions
between Altacor and Ophthalmopharma in which Altacor will assume
responsibility for their entire portfolio of ophthalmic products covering
development, IP and commercialisation of the products.
EYEBAR (R) is a chocolate based nutraceutical which overcomes the
palatability problems associated with traditional AREDS nutritional products
for AMD. Easy and pleasant to eat, the antioxidant rich bar, based on a
vitamin and mineral mixture (AREDS2 like), has been developed to help slow
the progression of AMD. Unlike large capsules or tablets, EYEBAR (R) is taste
masked and palatable, even for elderly patients with swallowing difficulties.
This feature of the product is expected to improve compliance and thereby
effectiveness.
Dr Fran Crawford, CEO of Altacor commented that EYEBAR(R) is a
very interesting approach for patients to help mitigate an important and
increasingly prevalent condition. The total population of patients with AMD
who can experience serious visual loss numbers over 15m in the USA. In
addition, up to 15% of patients have difficulties taking oral medications.
This product adds a new dimension to Altacor's portfolio and has good
potential to build revenues more rapidly and furthers our progress towards
becoming a European Specialty Pharma company.
Dr. Patrik Frei, Chairman of Ophthalmopharma said "I believe
that EYEBAR is an important addition to Altacors' pipeline and I am confident
that this will deliver value to both Ophthalmopharma and Altacor."
About AMD
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs in two types "dry" AMD and
the more severe "wet" form. Dry AMD accounts for about 90% of cases. It
develops gradually and usually causes mild vision loss. One key identifier
for AMD is accumulation of small,
round, fatty deposits called drusen in the central retina (macular).
Drusen accumulate in the retina pigment epithelium (RPE) beneath the macula
which thins and dries. Vision loss caused by drusen is related to location
and extent of macular thinning and may involve abnormal vascularisation. Dry
AMD may eventually develop into the wet form, where the risk of severe loss
of sight is much greater.
About AREDS
AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study ) sponsored by the U.S. National Eye
Institute comprises two studies: AREDS1 (a high dose combination of vitamin
C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc oxide and cupric oxide) a six-year clinical
investigation in 4757 patients which has been concluded and AREDS2 an
ongoing, follow-up study utilising a similar formula which replaces beta
carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin. The purpose of these large
investigations is to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplements on the
progression of both AMD and cataract. It was found that the risk of
individuals at high risk of progressing to the advanced forms of AMD was
reduced by as much as 25% over 5 years by ingesting AREDS1. In the same
study, patients with intermediate or advanced AMD showed a reduction in
vision loss by up to 19% over 5 years. Following the publication of the
AREDS1 study results, further scientific investigations were published
demonstrating the important benefits of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
The EYEBAR formulation is closely based the newer AREDS2 formula.
About Altacor
Altacor is an ophthalmic specialty pharmaceutical company with marketed
products and a diverse development pipeline. The products are focused in the
following sub therapeutic areas: ocular surface disease, ocular
anti-infection and glaucoma.
For further details contact: Francesca E Crawford (CEO) +44(0)1223-421411
Tags: Altacor Ltd, April 21, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom