New drug news: Lux Biosciences LX214 in Phase I

LX214 has been on the radar for a year or so and I am glad to see it entering clinicals. By description it certainly sounds promising. The idea of a once-a-day dosing drop that doesn't irritate the eyes, well, sure will be appealing if it works.

Lux Biosciences Initiates Phase 1 Study of LX214, a Development Candidate for Dry Eye Syndrome
Feb 17, 2009 article

Lux Biosciences today announced that it has begun treating patients in a Phase 1 study with its third product candidate, LX214, a proprietary topical ophthalmic solution containing the next-generation calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin. The company is developing LX214 as a potential treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye syndrome (DES), and other chronic inflammatory ocular surface diseases.

“We are pleased with the progress of our program for LX214, which we advanced from inception into the clinic in 18 months, in parallel with our LX211 and LX201 phase 3 development programs,” said Ulrich Grau, Lux Biosciences President and Chief Executive Officer.

He noted that LX214 is a unique product that, based on preclinical data, is differentiated from the benchmark therapy by

- much higher drug levels of a 4 fold more potent calcineurin inhibitor in target tissues in the eye,

- the lack of irritation, and

- 24-hour therapeutic drug levels in the eye providing a rationale for once-a-day dosing.


“These features suggest that LX214 may demonstrate advantages over other treatment approaches in the very large dry eye indication,” Dr. Grau commented.