Here's a look at some of the latest news regarding ophthalmic drugs and therapies from the past week.
- Quark Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently announced it had received a key patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that covers the treatment of patients suffering from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (“NAION”) with the Company’s ocular neuroprotectant QPI-1007.
- EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has reported positive data from its Phase 1b/2a trial assessing its lead product candidate, iontophoretic EGP-437, in the treatment of post-operative ocular inflammation and pain in cataract surgery patients.
- Clinical stage biopharmaceutical company SciFluor Life Sciences, Inc. recently announced the Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now in effect for SF0166 Topical Ophthalmic Solution (SF0166). This reportedly enables the company to initiate clinical testing of SF0166 in both wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic Maculamr edema (DME) patients
- A new study recently published in the journal Cornea reportedly shows oral consumption of re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids is an effective treatment of dry eye disease and results in a statistically significant improvement in its primary endpoint of tear osmolarity, as well as, its secondary endpoints after 12-weeks. During the study, randomized subjects received either PRN Dry Eye Omega Benefits® from Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals or a control.
- Imprimis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently launched its new MaxRx Prescriber Portal™ software application that provides physicians with new order entry and management tools that have traditionally not been available for compounded prescriptions. In addition to allowing a streamlined ordering process for single and multiple orders, MaxRx provides the prescriber maximum visibility into order workflow and maximum flexibility in communicating and doing business with an ImprimisRx pharmacy.
- Eyeon Therapeutics announced it has licensed the North American rights to its patents and pending intellectual property for over-the-counter ophthalmic (OTC) products to an undisclosed licensee. The agreement was reportedly executed in May and is the latest step in commercializing this polymer technology developed at Particles Sciences, a Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. LifeSciences Group company and a leading drug delivery CDMO.
- Earlier this week, Allergan announced it had completed the divestiture of its global generic pharmaceuticals business to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., which includes the U.S. and international generic commercial units, third-party supplier Medis, global generic manufacturing operations, and the global generic R&D unit, as well as Allergan's international OTC commercial unit (excluding OTC eye care products) and certain established international brands. Additionally, Allergan has entered into a definitive agreement with Teva where it will acquire Allergan's Anda, Inc., which distributes generic, brand, specialty and OTC pharmaceutical products from more than 300 manufacturers to retail independent and chain pharmacies, nursing homes, mail order pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and physician offices across the U.S.
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation and the Medical College of Wisconsin recently announced the publication of data from studies evaluating the density of cone photoreceptors in patients with CNGB3-associated achromatopsia (ACHM). The peer-reviewed study results appear in the current issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.
- And also this week, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. provided an update on the status of its New Drug Application (NDA) for DEXTENZA™ (dexamethasone insert) 0.4 mg, for intracanalicular use in the treatment of ocular pain occurring after ophthalmic surgery. Company officials are reportedly working closely with the FDA to address one remaining corrective item addressed by the FDA in a letter sent to the company, and Ocular Therapeutix is reportedly planned for a resubmission to its new NDA as soon as possible.