Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the FDA has accepted the company's IND for Optina(TM) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Ampio plans to commence enrollment in a clinical trial in the first quarter of 2013. The FDA granted Optina(TM) 505(b)(2) status in July, 2012.

Drugs designated under this pathway can be approved on a single trial. The planned multicenter trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral Optina(TM) compared with placebo given over a period of 12 weeks in adult patients with DME. Patients will be randomized to receive one of two doses of Optina(TM) or placebo.

After patients have completed 4 weeks of initial treatment, an interim analysis will occur to determine the best dose of Optina(TM). Following the 12 week active treatment period, there will be a further 4 week washout period to determine regression of treatment effect. The primary endpoint is improvement in visual acuity, defined by responder status, compared to placebo.

Secondary endpoints are measurements of changes in VA and central macular thickness in treated patients compared to placebo and, safety and tolerability of the two Optina(TM) doses. Following treatment and washout, patients will be assessed for vision regression and a 12 week open label extension study will be offered to evaluate the duration of effect of the optimal dose. A total of 450 patients are expected to enroll.