Ocugen, Inc. has announced the continuation of the Phase 2 portion of its Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial evaluating OCU410 for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The decision follows a review by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), which assessed safety data from the first 15 subjects in Phase 2.
Peter Chang, MD, FACS, of the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), noted, "The DSMB assessed data on 15 subjects from Phase 2. Initial data indicates that OCU410 appears to be safe and well-tolerated. No serious adverse events (SAEs) related to OCU410 have been reported to date."
About the OCU410 ArMaDa Trial
The ArMaDa trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OCU410, a novel modifier gene therapy (AAV5-hRORA), administered via unilateral subretinal injection. Phase 2 is a randomized, outcome assessor-blinded, dose-expansion study involving 45 participants. Subjects are randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of two OCU410 treatment groups (5×10^10 vg/mL or 1.5×10^11 vg/mL) or an untreated control group.
Potential Impact on AMD Treatment
Currently approved treatments for GA often require frequent intravitreal injections, posing a significant burden on patients and caregivers. Huma Qamar, MD, MPH, CMI, Chief Medical Officer of Ocugen, expressed enthusiasm about OCU410's potential to be a "game-changing, one-time treatment for life for patients with GA."
Phase 1 Data Highlights
Preliminary data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the ArMaDa trial demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no drug-related serious adverse events. Additionally, the data suggested reduced lesion growth, preservation of retinal tissue, and a positive effect on low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), a functional visual measure.
Trial Progress and Future Milestones
The ArMaDa clinical trial is actively enrolling patients at 13 retinal surgery centers across the U.S. Dosing in the trial is expected to be completed in early 2025, with Ocugen planning to provide 9- and 12-month efficacy updates from Phase 1.
