Alimera Sciences' Iluvien(TM) Phase 3 Studies for DME Pass Final DSMB Review Prior to Octob...( ATLANTA April 8 /- Alimera Sciences I...),Health

ATLANTA, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Alimera Sciences, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, today reported that an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recommended the continuation of two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials for the use of Iluvien(TM) in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) under the current protocol, without change. The Board completed its final review of the currently available safety and efficacy data prior to the readout in October 2009. A DSMB provides an independent evaluation of all trial data to identify potential safety issues that might warrant modification or early termination of ongoing clinical studies.

These clinical trials, known collectively as the FAME(TM) Study (Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema), consist of two 36-month, doublemasked, randomized, multi-center trials in the U.S., Canada, Europe and India in support of a planned global registration filing. Safety and efficacy will be assessed after 24 months of follow-up, which will occur in October of this year.

"Alimera is pleased that the DSMB recommended the continuation of the FAME Study without change," said Alimera CEO Dan Myers. "We are looking forward to the last patient, last visit for the 24-month readout scheduled in October later this year."

Iluvien is an intravitreal insert being developed for the treatment of DME. DME is a disease of the retina, which affects individuals with diabetes and can lead to severe vision loss and blindness. Each Iluvien insert is designed to provide a sustained therapeutic effect, up to 36 months for the low dose and up to 24 months for the high dose. Iluvien is inserted into the patient's eye with a 25-gauge needle, which allows for a self-sealing wound. This insertion is very similar to an intra
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