Opus Genetics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the U.S. FDA application for OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy for the treatment of bestrophin-1 (BEST1)-related inherited retinal disease (IRD).

Aussie gene therapy company Mirugen Pty Ltd. has emerged from stealth mode from the Center for Eye Research Australia in Melbourne, toting a AU$4.5 million (US$2.9 million) seed round that will see it optimize its lead candidate to treat retinitis pigmentosa.

With the U.S. FDA’s approval of Lenz Therapeutics Inc.’s Vizz (aceclidine ophthalmic solution), there is a third eye drop on the market for treating presbyopia. Vizz, however, is the first aceclidine-based eye drop for adults.

Valitor Inc. has presented preclinical results on VLTR-559, its long-acting anti-VEGF biologic candidate for durable wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). VLTR-559, developed using Valitor’s proprietary Multivalent Polymer (MVP) technology, demonstrated prolonged ocular retention and maintained high potency even after months in ocular tissues.

Ischemic retinopathy refers to a group of ocular disorders characterized by insufficient retinal blood flow, leading to hypoxia and subsequent retinal tissue damage. In the hypoxic environment, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) activates the transcription of pro-angiogenic factors that promote pathological retinal neovascularization, which ultimately contributes to edema, retinal damage and vision loss.

Opus Genetics Inc. has entered a strategic partnership with the Global RDH12 Alliance to advance Opus’ gene therapy program for patients with vision loss due to retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) gene mutations.

Myopia, a leading cause of visual impairment globally, can progress to serious complications like retinal and choroidal degeneration. While atropine is commonly used to manage childhood myopia, its nonselective action on all five acetylcholine muscarinic receptor subtypes (M1-M5 receptors) can cause side effects such as pupil dilation and photophobia.