Despite failing to meet its primary endpoint in the NORSE EIGHT Phase III trial, the company developing ONS-5010 (bevacizumab) remains optimistic about securing FDA approval for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The trial aimed to demonstrate noninferiority to ranibizumab, a commonly used anti-VEGF therapy, but the results did not achieve this goal.
NORSE EIGHT Trial Details
The NORSE EIGHT trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of ONS-5010 compared to ranibizumab in patients with wet AMD. While the primary endpoint was not met, the company has not disclosed specific details regarding secondary endpoints or other data that support their decision to proceed with regulatory submission. The full data from the trial will likely be presented at a future medical conference or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Implications for Wet AMD Treatment
Wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula. Current treatments primarily involve anti-VEGF injections, which can effectively slow disease progression but require frequent administration. The potential approval of ONS-5010 could offer an additional treatment option for patients and physicians, potentially addressing unmet needs in specific patient populations or offering a more convenient dosing schedule.
Future Steps
The company is expected to engage with the FDA to discuss the trial results and the proposed regulatory pathway. The FDA will review the complete data package, including efficacy, safety, and manufacturing information, to determine whether ONS-5010 warrants approval. The timeline for a potential FDA decision remains uncertain, pending the agency's review process.
