Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading developer of innovative ophthalmic products based on its proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particle (MPP) technology, has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration to initiate a phase III clinical programme with its MPP-formulated loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic nano-suspension product (LE-MPP) for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following cataract surgery.

“Beyond the post-surgical programme, Kala plans to initiate clinical programs with lower doses of LE-MPP in both dry eye disease and blepharitis in 2014.”

Kala’s proprietary MPP technology platform allows therapeutic agents to pass through the mucus layer of the ocular surface, facilitating penetration into deeper tissues of the eye, including the aqueous humour and retina. Kala’s MPPs are designed to potentiate pharmacological effects within target tissues. The objective of the upcoming clinical trial with Kala’s LE-MPP product is to demonstrate anti-inflammatory efficacy similar to that of other steroid-based treatments with less frequent (twice-daily) dosing while maintaining the safety profile of current loteprednol etabonate products.

“It’s exciting to see nanoparticle technology moving to the forefront of the ophthalmology field. By combining small particle size and state-of-the-art surface engineering techniques, physicians and patients should benefit from a variety of new and improved therapeutic options across ophthalmic disease states,” said Terry Kim, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Eye Centre.

“In preclinical studies, LE-MPP demonstrated a superior pharmacokinetics profile in target tissues compared to currently marketed loteprednol etabonate products,” said Kim Brazzell, Ph.D., Kala’s chief medical officer. “In head-to-head preclinical studies, LE-MPP delivered significantly greater levels of drug to the aqueous humour, as well as the cornea, conjunctiva, and retina than either Lotemax Suspension or Lotemax Gel with similar dosing regimens. The objective of the upcoming clinical trial will be to demonstrate if twice-daily administration of one per cent LE-MPP is effective in the treatment of inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. If successful, this would represent a significant dosing advantage compared to other topical steroids, which are currently indicated for four times a day dosing.”

“The global topical corticosteroid market is significant and growing based on the aging population. A topical corticosteroid with superior penetration and pharmacokinetics and a more favorable dosing regimen would be a welcome alternative to current treatment regimens,” said Guillaume Pfefer, Ph.D., Kala’s president and chief executive officer. “Beyond the post-surgical programme, Kala plans to initiate clinical programmes with lower doses of LE-MPP in both dry eye disease and blepharitis in 2014.”