Drug trial data look good for dry AMD treatment

Positive interim data results from the Phase II trial of OT-551 to treat geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of AMD, have been announced by Othera Pharmaceuticals Inc.

OT-551 is an eye drop and contains a hydroxylamine anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory molecule that targets oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, believed to be involved in AMD.

The 12-month findings from the two year OMEGA trial are reported to show an emerging trend for a moderate reduction in vision loss in patients who were treated with OT-551 compared to those receiving a placebo.

“I am particularly excited about these results in light of the absence of any approved treatment today for this slowly progressing, advanced form of dry AMD,” commented Al Reaves, PhD, Othera's Senior Vice President of Clinical Development. “These initial clinical results confirm preclinical findings showing that OT-551 can be administered as an eye drop to affect photoreceptors in the retina. Based on these preliminary results, OT-551 continues to exhibit the excellent safety profile seen in prior studies. Given OT-551’s safety profile and the positive trend on visual acuity, continued follow-up of this elderly population with GA should allow us to profile the drug’s effect on visual acuity and better understand its long term safety.”

Read more about OT-551 in the May issue of Ophthalmology Times Europe magazine. To subscribe click here