Also known as: BCVA
A stem cell therapy for geographic atrophy improved vision in a phase Ib trial, and the first gene therapy for optic neuropathies was administered. Next-generation anti-VEGF agents are also extending treatment intervals in retinal vascular disease.
Axpaxli (OTX-TKI) met its primary endpoint in the SOL-1 Phase 3 trial, demonstrating superiority over aflibercept in preserving visual acuity in wet AMD patients at week 36. A single injection of the intravitreal hydrogel led to higher rescue-free rates and better fluid control, supporting potential for reduced treatment burden. Ocular Therapeutix plans to submit a New Drug Application to the FDA.
The CONDOR randomized clinical trial found brolucizumab better preserved visual acuity than panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy at week 54. Brolucizumab also reduced vision-threatening complications and center-involved diabetic macular edema events, while showing more intraocular inflammation.
EyePoint's DSMC recommended continuing its Phase 3 wet AMD trials without protocol changes after a third review. Topline data for LUGANO are expected mid-2026, with LUCIA shortly after. The company ended 2025 with $300 million in cash and a runway into Q4 2027.
Recent studies in retinitis pigmentosa showed mixed results for gene and optogenetic therapies. UGX-201 and MCO-010 were associated with visual acuity improvements, while AAV8.hPDE6A showed no significant functional gains at 1 year.
The FDA approved updated labeling for Vabysmo to allow extended treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion beyond six months. The label update removes the prior 6-month restriction and retains monthly 6 mg intravitreal dosing.
An observational study in Documenta Ophthalmologica found the MLSDT showed reliability above 0.50 in advanced retinitis pigmentosa and correlated with visual acuity, visual fields and patient-reported outcomes. The test is being used as a secondary endpoint in the phase 2b/3 RESTORE trial of MCO-010.
Ocugen has completed enrollment and dosing in its phase II/III GARDian3 study for OCU410ST gene therapy targeting Stargardt disease. The study includes 63 patients and aims to address over 1,200 ABCA4 gene mutations with a single treatment. Interim data is expected in Q3 2026, with a BLA submission targeted for mid-2027.
Opus Genetics reported positive early data from its BEST1 gene therapy program and expects FDA action on its presbyopia treatment in October 2026. Ultragenyx announced 2025 revenue of $673 million and initiated a strategic restructuring plan targeting profitability in 2027.
Ocular Therapeutix announced positive topline results from SOL-1, its Phase 3 superiority trial of AXPAXLI for wet age-related macular degeneration, meeting primary and durability endpoints with high statistical significance.
