OcuTerra Therapeutics

P.S. We're thrilled to share that our team has been honored with the Citeline award for Excellence in Patient Recruitment and Engagement for our DR:EAM clinical trial. While it's bittersweet to receive this recognition amidst our closure, it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. Thank you again to everyone who has been a part of our journey. 

It is with mixed emotions that we share an update from OcuTerra. Our journey has been one of passion, dedication and hope in combating diabetic retinopathy, a sight-threatening disease affecting millions globally. Three years ago, we embarked on a groundbreaking mission to pioneer a non-invasive treatment for diabetic retinopathy, a game-changer named nesvategrast delivered via simple eye drops. Our vision was clear: to provide early intervention and potentially prevent the progression of this debilitating condition that can cause blindness. Recently, we concluded the DR:EAM phase 2 clinical trial with nesvategrast. Despite our unwavering commitment and the tireless efforts of our team, the trial did not yield the anticipated results. We've since delved deep into analyses, seeking to grasp the full picture and consider potential ways forward. In alignment with our values and commitment to scientific integrity, OcuTerra has made the difficult decision to wind down operations. This decision ensures transparency and accountability to our investors and stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our remarkable team for their exceptional work in designing and executing the DR:EAM trial. We also express sincere appreciation to the clinicians, patients, board of directors, scientific advisors, investors and supporters who believed in our mission. Though our journey with OcuTerra may conclude, our commitment to advancing important new therapies for ophthalmic disease remains steadfast. Thank you for being part of our journey. 

During Low Vision Awareness Month, we want to bring attention to diabetic retinopathy (DR), a progressive, sight-threatening condition that impacts more than 10 million patients in the U.S. alone. Patients currently have no active treatment options until their vision is impacted, but OcuTerra aims to transform the treatment of DR & prevent vision loss before it happens. OcuTerra is currently evaluating nesvategrast (OTT166) as an earlier non-invasive treatment for DR in a Phase 2 DR:EAM trial. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3vsYkYi #LowVisionAwarenessMonth

The name of our ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial, DR:EAM (Diabetic Retinopathy: Early Active Management) reflects the critical need for active therapies that patients with DR can use earlier in the course of disease. As we prepare to share topline data from the study next month, we remain focused on the millions of patients who could experience an entirely new standard of care with the approval of a therapy like nesvategrast. Read about our work on the DR:EAM study: https://bit.ly/3vsYkYi 

Read our January post in the OcuTerra Insights series to learn about the need for earlier interventions in diabetic retinopathy – OcuTerra is advancing the novel eye drop nesvategrast (OTT166) to move beyond the "watch-and-wait" standard of care for early-stage DR: https://bit.ly/3HWpNoc

At OcuTerra, our goal is to transform the standard of care for ophthalmic conditions with substantial unmet need. We are advancing nesvategrast (OTT166) eye drops in the Phase 2 DR:EAM trial to provide an earlier, non-invasive active treatment that could prevent or delay the progression of vision loss and improve disease, minimizing invasive treatment methods. We look forward to sharing topline data on nesvategrast later this quarter. Learn more about the DR:EAM study: https://bit.ly/3vsYkYi 

In Retina Today's feature on future treatment options for diabetic retinopathy (DR), David Boyer, MD, highlights how non-invasive at-home therapies like OcuTerra's nesvategrast (OTT166) could potentially improve patient compliance. Dr. Boyer notes that "something that could be prescribed for at-home use would facilitate earlier treatment, and the earlier we can treat, the higher the likelihood [of] maintaining vision without complications." Read the full feature for more discussion on how nesvategrast could help millions of patients with early-stage DR actively manage disease: https://bit.ly/40VqaIa

Did you know February is Low Vision Awareness Month? This month serves as an opportunity to support the millions of Americans living with a visual impairment. At OcuTerra, our goal is to improve the current standard of care in ophthalmic conditions like diabetic retinopathy by advancing an earlier, non-invasive treatment option. Learn about our lead candidate nesvategrast (OTT166), a first-in-class integrin inhibitor delivered as an eye drop, currently being evaluated in our Phase 2 DR:EAM trial: https://bit.ly/3vsYkYi #LowVisionAwarenessMonth

The OcuTerra team will be attending the 2024 Angiogenesis, Exudation and Degeneration conference on February 3. We look forward to hearing from experts in ophthalmology and reviewing the latest research on diabetic retinopathy and other devastating ophthalmic conditions. Register for the virtual event here: https://bit.ly/489VZQs

Currently available treatments for diabetic retinopathy are only prescribed in the latest stages of disease. In this month's OcuTerra Insights, we explore the need for novel therapies to actively treat the millions of patients in the earlier stages of DR. Read to learn more: https://bit.ly/3SElhAI