Othera begins mid-stage trial of eye drop

The twelve-month, placebo-controlled study is designed to evaluate the ability of OT-551 to prevent or arrest the progression of cataracts in patients who have undergone vitrectomy surgery, a procedure to correct retinal defects.

OT-551, which has been shown to be a potent catalytic antioxidant, recently completed a phase I safety and comfort study in healthy volunteers.

Preclinical research results indicate additional uses for OT-551, including treatment of early stage and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by protecting against retina photoreceptor cell death and inhibiting angiogenesis, the growth of small blood vessels leading to the wet-form of AMD. A leading cause of vision loss, AMD affects approximately 10 million Americans.

“OT-551 is a novel small molecule that is topically dosed in an eye drop and has the unique ability to penetrate cell membranes and reach both the front and the back of the eye,” said David Joseph, chairman and CEO of Othera Pharmaceuticals. “In addition to cataract treatment, we are very encouraged by research results demonstrating that OT-551 may be able to treat AMD, as well as dry eye syndrome. We expect to begin phase II trials for these indications next year.”