Oculis reports biomarker data from optic neuritis trial

Oculis Holding AG, a biotech company listed on the NASDAQ, revealed biomarker data from its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Privosegtor for optic neuritis. The findings, disclosed in a press release, indicated that Privosegtor was effective in reducing elevations in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) compared to a placebo.

By the fifth day of treatment, the placebo group experienced higher increases in both NfL and GFAP levels. Over six months, NfL levels remained stable in the Privosegtor group, whereas the placebo group's levels remained consistently elevated above baseline before normalizing by the sixth month. GFAP levels also stayed elevated in the placebo group until the sixth month, while they remained below baseline in the Privosegtor group throughout the same period.

These results were presented by Dr. Céline Louapre from Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital and Sorbonne University at the 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting in Toronto. Earlier reports from Oculis showed that the ACUITY trial resulted in an 18-letter improvement in low-contrast visual acuity at the three-month mark compared to steroid treatment alone, coupled with preserved retinal structure.

Investors interested in the company can utilize InvestingPro for comprehensive financial data and analysis. Privosegtor has garnered Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA and Priority Medicines designation from the European Medicines Agency, along with Orphan Drug designation from both authorities for optic neuritis. The drug is currently being tested in the PIONEER program, which includes two Phase 3 trials for optic neuritis and one for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Oculis is also considering filing an IND application for Privosegtor to treat acute multiple sclerosis relapses.