The FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to SKG1108, a gene therapy developed by Skyline Therapeutics, for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. This designation aims to facilitate the development and approval of therapies for rare diseases, offering incentives such as market exclusivity and tax credits.
SKG1108: A Novel Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa
SKG1108 is a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector designed for one-time intravitreal delivery. It utilizes the intravitreal capsid AAV.0106 to deliver single-stranded DNA encoding light-activatable proteins directly to the retina. This approach aims to restore visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited genetic disorders that cause progressive vision loss.
Retinitis pigmentosa affects approximately 1 in 4,000 people worldwide, leading to significant visual impairment and blindness. Current treatments are limited, highlighting the unmet medical need for effective therapies like SKG1108.
InMed Pharmaceuticals Secures Patents for Ocular Drug Delivery
InMed Pharmaceuticals has been granted three US patents, including one for an ocular drug delivery formulation with potential applications in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This formulation and its use have also been patented in Europe, Australia, Japan, and India, with applications pending in other regions. InMed's pipeline includes programs targeting Alzheimer’s disease, ocular conditions, and dermatological indications.
Mobile Ophthalmology Application Accuracy Assessed
A team at the Dean McGee Eye Institute investigated the accuracy of vision assessment tools within a commonly used mobile ophthalmology application (MOA). The study, published in Nature, evaluated the Eye Handbook app's ability to measure distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, and pupillary distance compared to traditional methods. The prospective crossover clinical trial included 129 patients meeting specific inclusion criteria.
The researchers concluded that the MOA could potentially be used by eye care providers, healthcare providers, and patients as a screening tool with correction factors and for monitoring ocular pathologies. While the use of MOAs is increasing, the study emphasizes the importance of validating these tools to ensure accuracy and reliability in vision assessment.
