Opus Genetics announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared its Investigational New Drug application for OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy candidate for treating bestrophin-1 (BEST1)-related inherited retinal disease. The clearance enables the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company to advance its third ongoing clinical program targeting rare ophthalmic conditions.
Best disease, also known as vitelliform macular dystrophy, represents a rare inherited retinal condition that causes macular degeneration through mutations in the BEST1 gene. The disease leads to progressive vision loss and, in severe cases, complete blindness, with no currently approved treatment options available to patients.
Phase 1/2 Trial Design and Timeline
Opus Genetics plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in the second half of 2025. The multi-center, open-label study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of a single subretinal injection of OPGx-BEST1 in patients with genetically confirmed BEST1-related inherited retinal disease.
The trial will explore biological activity through both functional and anatomical endpoints, including assessments of changes in visual function and retinal structure. This comprehensive approach aims to capture the therapy's potential impact on disease progression and patient outcomes.
Therapeutic Approach and Platform Technology
OPGx-BEST1 leverages Opus Genetics' proprietary AAV-based gene therapy platform, specifically designed to deliver a functional copy of the BEST1 gene directly to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells where the defective gene resides. The therapeutic approach addresses the root cause of the disease by replacing the faulty genetic material responsible for the condition.
The program builds on extensive preclinical work that demonstrated restoration of BEST1 protein expression and improved retinal function in relevant disease models, providing scientific foundation for the clinical advancement.
Clinical Significance and Unmet Need
"The FDA's clearance of our BEST1 IND is a significant step forward for the IRD community and for our mission at Opus Genetics focused on restoring vision for patients," said George Magrath, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Opus Genetics. "BEST1-related IRDs have no approved treatments today, leaving patients and families with uncertainty about the future of their vision."
The advancement of OPGx-BEST1 represents the company's third ongoing clinical program, demonstrating the breadth of Opus Genetics' pipeline in addressing inherited retinal diseases. Magrath emphasized the company's commitment to "advancing multiple therapies in parallel for patients with urgent, unmet needs."
Company Pipeline and Focus
Opus Genetics operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases and small molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders. The company's pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting various inherited retinal diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosis, bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Beyond OPGx-BEST1, the company's lead gene therapy candidate OPGx-LCA5 is currently in an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations. The company also advances Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy approved in one indication and under investigation in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and reduced low light vision and nighttime visual disturbances.
