PRINCETON, NJ — Oyster Point Pharma Inc. announced results from two studies evaluating therapies for the treatment of dry eye disease.
The Phase 2b clinical trials, presented at the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit meeting in Chicago, demonstrated improvement in Schirmer’s score and multiple measures of eye dryness symptoms, according to a press release from the company.
“The results announced today demonstrate the potential clinical benefits of the innovative therapeutics Oyster Point Pharma is developing,” said Dr. Edward Holland, professor of ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, and member of Oyster Point Pharma’s medical advisory board. “There is a significant need for a novel treatment approach for Dry Eye Disease. A therapeutic that can help patients to produce their own natural tear film has the potential to benefit a broad population of patients with Dry Eye Disease.”
Dr. Jeffrey Nau, CEO of Oyster Point Pharma, said, “We are excited about the ability for both of our investigational compounds to show improvements in both the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. We look forward to initiating a Phase 3 program in Dry Eye Disease in 2019 after discussion with regulatory authorities.”
OC-01 and OC-02, Oyster Point’s lead product candidates, are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists that bind specifically to receptors on the trigeminal nerve. Both compounds are administered as a nasal spray and are “potential first-in-class, ocular surface-sparing treatments designed to stimulate the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway to promote natural tear film production,” according to the release.
OC-01 and OC-02 were well-tolerated with no significant ocular adverse events or drug-related serious adverse events. Adverse events were similar in both studies. The most common adverse events included sneeze, cough, and nose and throat irritation. These events were mild, self-limiting, and resolved immediately following administration.