Here's a look at some of the latest news regarding ophthalmic drugs and therapies from the past week.
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Late last week, Biocon Ltd. and Quark Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported the randomization of the first patient in India for the global Phase II/III study of QPI-1007 — a novel siRNA (small interfering RNA) drug candidate for ocular neuroprotection. The study will determine the effect of QPI-1007 on visual function in subjects with acute non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
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Cellular Dynamics International (CDI) recently announced it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Eye Institute (NEI) to conduct research to advance a cell transplantation therapy for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease using retinal pigment epithelium derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-RPE).
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The MIT Technology Review recently selected biopharmaceutical company RetroSense Therapeutics, LLC as one of the 50 Smartest Companies in 2016. RetroSense is reportedly developing a novel gene therapy application of optogenetics to treat retinitis pigmentosa.
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Last week, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending a change to the marketing authorization terms for the 3 mg/ml strength of Nevanac® eye drops from Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd., adopting the new indication: "Reduction in the risk of postoperative macular oedema associated with cataract surgery in diabetic patients."
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Uni-Bio Science Group Ltd. has signed a strategic alliance agreement with China Resources Zizhu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for the development, manufacture and marketing of ophthalmology and reproductive health drugs in China.