Magainin Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced late Tuesday that it will proceed with plannedPhase IIB/III clinical trials on MSI-78 with the FDA. In those trials, MSI-78, fortreating impetigo, a serious skin infection that usually affects children. The firstpivotal trial should begin this summer.

The Plymouth Meeting, Pa. company (NASDAQ:MAGN) has reviewed the results of itscompleted Phase II clinical trial on MSI-78 with the FDA. In those trials, MSI-78, atopical broad spectrum antibiotic, produced a significant dose and frequency responseagainst a variety of bacteria inoculated on the are of 45 volunteers, the company said.

Magainin will present these results at the 33rd InterScience Conference onAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in October.