Opthea's Scientific Breakthrough in Wet AMD Treatment

Opthea Limited (ASX: $OPT) has announced the publication of a scientific review in the peer-reviewed journal Ophthalmology and Therapy, highlighting the potential of VEGF-C and VEGF-D signaling pathways as targets for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The review supports the scientific rationale for sozinibercept (OPT-302) as a potential treatment for wet AMD, emphasizing the broader pathophysiology of retinal diseases beyond VEGF-A regulation.

Executive Commentary on Sozinibercept's Potential

Frederic Guerard, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of Opthea, stated, 'This review underpins sozinibercept's potential as a novel, first-in-class VEGF-C/D 'trap' to prevent blood vessel growth and vascular leakage in the retina and deliver superior visual outcomes in wet AMD patients when combined with standard-of-care anti-VEGF-A therapies.' He further mentioned the company's fully enrolled sozinibercept Phase 3 clinical program in wet AMD, designed to assess the safety and superior efficacy of sozinibercept in combination with standard-of-care anti-VEGF-A therapies compared to standard-of-care alone, with expectations to report topline data for the COAST trial in early Q2 and for the ShORe trial in mid CY 2025.

Summary of Opthea's Breakthrough and Future Outlook

Opthea's publication on VEGF-C and VEGF-D signaling pathways as potential targets for wet AMD treatment marks a significant scientific advancement in understanding the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. The review emphasizes the importance of targeting additional mechanisms beyond VEGF-A and highlights the role of VEGF-C and VEGF-D signaling in addressing the unmet needs of wet AMD patients for better visual outcomes. With the ongoing Phase 3 clinical program and positive results from the Phase 2b trial, Opthea aims to address the significant unmet medical need in wet AMD and deliver superior vision gains compared to standard-of-care anti-VEGF-A agents. The company's ambitions include enabling sozinibercept to be approved for use in combination with any anti-VEGF-A therapy in wet AMD patients, potentially revolutionizing the treatment landscape for this prevalent and progressive retinal disease.