Xoma enrolling 2 trials, in eye disease and osteoarthritis

Xoma Corp. started enrolling patients for two drug trials -- a Phase III study in the eye disease non-infectious uveitis and a mid-stage trial in erosive osteoarthritis in the hand -- the company said Wednesday.

Both trials center on the Berkeley-based biotech company's (NASDAQ: XOMA) experimental monoclonal antibody treatment, called gevokizumab.

"Today represents an historic milestone for Xoma, as we launch the first global Phase III program for a Xoma-created product to which we retain U.S. commercial rights," CEO John Varian said in a press release.