Nanomerics Ltd. has announced that it has received authorization from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to proceed with clinical trials for OC134, an investigational eye drop for the treatment of moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis. The authorization allows Nanomerics to initiate its first-in-human trial of OC134.
OC134 is formulated using Nanomerics' proprietary Molecular Envelope Technology (MET), which is designed to enhance drug penetration into ocular tissues without causing irritation. Allergic conjunctivitis, affecting millions worldwide, often requires topical treatments, and OC134 aims to provide a non-steroidal option for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.
Molecular Envelope Technology
The MET platform is a key component of Nanomerics' drug development strategy. It utilizes biocompatible polymers to improve the bioavailability of drugs in target tissues. Professor Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, Nanomerics' Chief Scientific Officer, stated, "This is a remarkable achievement for our company and is testament to the dedication and scientific excellence of the entire Nanomerics' team involved in the study. We are now able to advance our Molecular Envelope Technology to clinical stage and to complete the first of many clinical studies powered by Nanomerics' MET, our non-irritant ocular penetration enhancer."
Expanding Pipeline
In addition to OC134, Nanomerics is leveraging its MET platform to develop other ophthalmic treatments. OC137 is being developed for retinal diseases, and OC135 is targeted for the treatment of glaucoma. These programs highlight the versatility of the MET platform in addressing various ocular conditions.
Nanomerics Ltd. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicines using innovative drug delivery platforms. The company's R&D operations are based in North London, UK. Nanomerics was founded to commercialize biocompatible polymer technologies for drug delivery and other applications. The company's Molecular Envelope Technology (MET) is a unique patented biocompatible polymer that delivers a step change in target tissue bioavailability.