Ohr Set to Begin Phase III Trials for Wet AMD

Jason Slakter, CEO, Ohr Pharmaceutical, told OIS@AAO attendees that the company is enrolling patients in a Phase III clinical trial to test the efficacy of its topical Squalamine Lactate Ophthalmic Solution, which is used in combination with anti-VEGF agents to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The clinical endpoint of the trial is vision gain at nine months. Slakter said Ohr’s solution combats AMD differently than the many other compounds being tested against AMD. Instead of targeting VEGF or PDGF, Squalamine functions with the “intracellular site of action” and prevents the “downstream signaling” that draws VEGF and PDGF. A study of patients enrolled in the company’s Phase II trial showed that those who were given Squalamine and Lucentis gained more than five letters of visual acuity than those on Lucentis alone. The firm is building out a broader pipeline using its sustained-delivery technology to treat other ocular diseases. Slakter said Ohr is currently seeking partnerships.

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