Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator Instructions). Our first question comes from the line of Corey Kasimov from JPMorgan. Please proceed.
Corey Kasimov - JPMorgan
Hey, good afternoon, guys. Thanks for taking the question. First of all on 102, can you just update us with regards to the Phase 2 status there and when we may see data either from the 2a part, the dose optimization in combination with [arbutoxin] and expectations for the 2b where it's randomized?
Howard Robin
Well, thank you Corey. We are, as you know making progress in the 2a component of the trial and we said that we would be starting the Phase 2b program later this year. We haven't given any specific dates for that. Overall, we expect that we will have data from the Phase 2 program by the end of third quarter, fourth quarter 2009. That's what we're targeting for at this point. So we're making good progress in enrollment in Phase 2a and as soon as that is complete which should be, I would say over the next few months, we will be looking into starting our Phase 2b program.
Corey Kasimov - JPMorgan
Okay and then another question getting at clinical milestones this time on the pulmonary side. What are expectations either from you or from Bayer with regards to inhaled amikacin? I guess two parts to this question. First, the number of patients expected in the Phase 3 and then how long that study may last?
Howard Robin
Well, actually I can't go into detail specifically about that program because under confidence with Bayer. I can say that we do expect it to start this year. I can't give you the specifics but it is a fairly acute usage of the drug, so this is a 7-day or so dosing regimen in an ICU setting. So you should be able to see results from that trial relatively quickly in the sense that it is not chronic usage. But I can't give out the specifics on that.
Corey Kasimov - JPMorgan
No, I understand. That's what I figured. And then lastly, with regards to vanco, can you update us on your thoughts regarding potential partnership there?
Howard Robin
Well, at this point, it's a very important product and it's reasonably likely to work and it should work just as well as what we've seen with amikacin. We are certainly have had a number of companies talk to us about a high level of interest in inhaled vancomycin and we haven't discussed as publicly any partnerships or specifics yet, but you can imagine that there are a number of companies that are highly interested in it and if amikacin, which has looked good through Phase 2 and we expect will show promise in Phase 3 and show positive results in Phase 2, then this is essentially the same type of formulation, the same delivery device.
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