Inspire ophthalmic news
Inspire will reduce headcount by 65 (27%) to 175 and will discontinue its pulmonary program, including cystic fibrosis candidate denufosol to focus on its eye care business. In January, the second-generation P2Y2 receptor agonist missed the primary endpoint in the Phase III TIGER-2 trial to treat CF. The headcount reductions represent 45% of Inspire's non-sales force headcount and primarily affect R&D, manufacturing and technical operations, and general and administrative.
Inspire's pipeline now consists entirely of ophthalmic products, the most advanced of which is AzaSite 1% azithromycin ophthalmic solution, which is marketed for bacterial conjunctivitis and is in Phase II testing for blepharitis. Inspire has North American rights to AzaSite from InSite Vision Inc. (OTCBB:INSV, Alameda, Calif.). The biotech also co-promotes allergic conjunctivitis drug Elestat epinastine with Allergan Inc. (NYSE:AGN, Irvine, Calif.) (see BioCentury, Jan. 10). ...