Oxford BioMedica announced that the US non-profit organisation, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), has agreed to fund preclinical proof-of-principle studies for vision-loss product RetinoStat
The product is comprised of Oxford BioMedica's LentiVector gene delivery system expressing an angiostatic gene under the control of its proprietary gene switch that promotes gene expression specifically in ischaemic (low oxygen) ocular tissue.
The preclinical studies will be carried out at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, under the direction of one of the world's leading clinical ophthalmologists, Prof Peter Campochiaro.
Data from these studies will be pivotal to moving the product into clinical trials and will also provide the company with a powerful marketing package with which to attract partners.
Campochiaro is a world leader in the development of preclinical models for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of vision-loss in the developed world.
These preclinical models will be used to help define the safety and efficacy of RetinoStat.
Prof Campochiaro has shown already that endostatin, the angiostatic gene in RetinoStat, is effective in treating choroidal neovascularisation, the major cause for severe vision-loss in patients with AMD.
Commenting on the news, Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, Prof Alan Kingsman said "We are delighted to be working alongside the FFB who have unrivalled expertise in facilitating the development of novel products for vision-loss.
"Support from the FFB will help RetinoStat move more quickly towards clinical evaluation.
"RetinoStat is the fourth product in Oxford BioMedica's pipeline that has achieved financial backing from independent expert research organisations.
Gerald J Chader, chief scientific officer of the FFB commented "The urgent mission of the FFB is to prevent, treat or cure retinal degenerations such as AMD.
"For this purpose, we seek collaborations with the best biopharmaceutical companies.
"With its excellent leadership, innovative technology and clinical trial experience in the cancer field, Oxford BioMedica is certainly such a company.
"Most importantly, because of its novel vector, gene cargo and response element used to control gene expression, RetinoStat has all the characteristics of a successful angiostatic product."
