Ophthalmology Therapeutic Roundup — February 23, 2017

Here's a look at some of the latest news regarding ophthalmic drugs and therapies from the past week. 

• Nicox S.A. recently presented preclinical results from its novel nitric oxide (NO) donating compound, NCX 667, at the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (AOPT) 13th Scientific Meeting in Italy. According to the abstract, NCX 667 appeared to lower IOP by 20 percent or more in rabbit and non-human primate models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, following single and repeated treatment schedules.
• Genome editing biotech company ToolGen, Inc. announced data from a study evaluating Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 (CjCas9) for efficient genome editing in vivo. During the study, the CjCas9 gene was delivered via Adeno-associated virus (AAV) to target mutations in mouse muscle cells and retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE), and confirmed CjCas9 targeted to the Vegfa or Hif1a gene in RPE cells reduced the size of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, suggesting gene surgery with CjCas9 could be a promising treatment option for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. announced its New Drug Application (NDA) resubmission for Dextenza™ (dexamethasone insert) 0.4 mg for intracanalicular use, for the treatment of ocular pain occurring after ophthalmic surgery, has been accepted as a filing for review by the U.S. FDA.
• Clearside Biomedical, Inc. announced the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 3 clinical trial (“SAPPHIRE”) of Zuprata™ — its proprietary suspension formulation of the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide, used together with EYLEA® (aflibercept) for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The trial will reportedly assess the efficacy and safety of suprachoroidally administered Zuprata used together with intravitreally administered Eylea in subjects with RVO.
• EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. have entered into an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement, through which EyeGate has granted a subsidiary of Valeant exclusive, worldwide commercial and manufacturing rights to the EyeGate® II Delivery System and EGP-437 combination product candidate for the treatment of post-operative pain and inflammation in ocular surgery patients.
• Alimera Sciences, Inc. and Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company and Knight Therapeutics Inc. announced Knight's New Drug Submmission (NDS) for Iluvien® has been accepted for review by Health Canada. Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.19 mg is Alimera's sustained release intravitreal implant approved in the U.S. to treat diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure.

Like what you read? Follow OphthalmologyWeb to keep up with our latest articles, news and events. Plus, get special offers and more delivered to your inbox.