"Medimetriks in collaboration with Otsuka announces the successful completion of a Phase  trial of MM previously known as OPA in Atopic Dermatitis AD   MM is a topical phosphodiesterase  PDE inhibitor under development for the treatment of AD   Results showed a therapeutic benefit as measured by percentage change in EASI score and improvement in IGA score   MM is expected to be the nd topical PDE inhibitor available in the US and may offer unique benefits for patients suffering from AD Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announces the publication of Phase  results for MM previously referred to as OPA a novel topical nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase IV PDE inhibitor for the treatment of mildtomoderate atopic dermatitis. The successful results of the Phase  trial of MM have been published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology JAAD the leading peerreviewed journal in dermatology. The randomized doubleblind vehiclecontrolled study in  patients showed that MM demonstrates a statistically significant effect on the primary endpoints versus vehicle as measured by improvement in IGA score Investigators Global Assessment and percentage change in EASI score Eczema Area and Severity Index.  The mean percentage improvement in baseline EASI score was notable very early at week  . vs.  for vehicle p. and at week  . vs.  for vehicle p..  These effects were sustained through week  of the study.  MM was also associated with improvement in patientreported outcomes most notably rapid and sustained itch relief with Visual Analog Scale scores showing improvement from moderate to mild within the first week . mean change p.. MM a PDE inhibitor reduces inflammation in affected skin by inhibiting production of cytokines and chemical mediators that are believed to cause the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. In particular MM exhibits highly selective inhibitory activity against PDE subtype B an enzyme that may play a significant role in inflammation. MM is expected to be the nd topical PDE inhibitor in the market after the potential approval of Anacor Pharmaceuticals crisaborole product. The results of the Phase  study suggest that MM represents a potentially safe effective and welltolerated nonsteroidal treatment for mildtomoderate atopic dermatitis said Linda Stein Gold MD director of clinical research Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital and coauthor of the article.  Based on the results of this study it appears that MM could address an important unmet need in dermatology.  We are pleased that JAAD the most respected peerreviewed journal in dermatology published the Phase  results said Bradley Glassman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medimetriks.  We believe these Phase  results demonstrate compelling evidence of MMs capacity to be a leading topical PDE inhibitor and are aggressively developing MM for atopic dermatitis in the US. Atopic Dermatitis patients have few treatment options and Medimetriks is dedicated to addressing this important unmet need. The JAAD article discussing the Phase  results can be found by visiting  http About Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis AD is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red swollen and cracked skin with intense itching.  The onset of AD occurs most commonly between  and  months of age with approximately  of patients developing the condition in the first year of life and  by  years of age. The majority of affected individuals have resolution of disease during childhood although  to  of patients maintain the condition throughout their lives.  A small percentage of the population develops first symptoms as adults. It has been estimated that approximately  million people are living with AD in the U.S. and this disease accounts for up to  of patient visits to dermatology offices. Current treatments for atopic dermatitis include topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors.  Topical steroids are typically used as first line therapies and are effective antiinflammatory agents.  However topical steroids may be associated with local and systemic side effects when used for extended periods of time including skin atrophy acne and telangiectasias locally and HPA axis suppression systemically.  Topical calcineurin inhibitors TCIs are recommended as secondline treatment for people with atopic dermatitis who are at risk of steroidrelated side effects. TCIs carry boxed warnings about a possible association with skin malignancies and lymphoma although studies have not demonstrated a clear link.  Their use can be limited by local adverse reactions such as burning and stinging. About MM Medimetriks has sole exclusive US rights to MM.  Discovered by Otsuka MM is an investigational nonsteroidal topical antiinflammatory PDE inhibitor in development for the potential treatment of atopic dermatitis. MM is hypothesized to exert antiinflammatory action by inhibiting the production of cytokines and chemical mediators thought to cause the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. In particular MM exhibits highly selective inhibitory activity against PDE subtype B which is an enzyme that may play a significant role in inflammation.   About Otsuka  Otsuka Pharmaceutical is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy Otsuka  people creating new products for better health worldwide. Otsuka researches develops manufactures and markets innovative and original products with a focus on pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diseases and nutraceutical products for the maintenance of everyday health. In pharmaceuticals Otsuka is a leader in the challenging area of mental health and also has research programs on several underaddressed diseases including tuberculosis a significant global public health issue. These commitments illustrate how Otsuka is a big venture company at heart applying a youthful spirit of creativity in everything it does. Otsuka Pharmaceutical which employs approximately   people worldwide is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd. the holding company for the Otsuka Group that is headquartered in Tokyo Japan. The Otsuka Group has business operations in  countries and regions around the world with consolidated sales of approximately USD . billion in fiscal year . Otsuka welcomes you to visit its global website at https About Medimetriks Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a leading independent branded Dermatology company focused on the development licensing and commercialization of innovative prescription skincare brands. The Company is dedicated to addressing unmet physician and patient needs with unique therapies that advance patient care.   For more information please visit  http Media Contact David Addis Senior Vice President Brand Communication                                                               Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals Inc. daddismedimetriks.com mailtodaddismedimetriks.com     extension  SOURCE Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals Inc. Related Links http"