Eyevance Pharmaceuticals acquires global rights for Nexagon from OcuNexus Therapeutics

Eyevance Pharmaceuticals has made a significant move in the ophthalmic drug market by acquiring the global licensing rights for Nexagon, an advanced antisense oligomer drug, from OcuNexus Therapeutics. This strategic acquisition positions Eyevance at the forefront of developing new treatments for persistent corneal epithelial defect (PED), a challenging condition resistant to conventional therapies.

Eyevance Pharmaceuticals Takes the Lead

In a landmark deal, Eyevance Pharmaceuticals has secured the global rights to Nexagon, a 30-base antisense oligomer designed for treating PED. This condition, characterized by the loss of corneal epithelial tissue, can result from various causes including chemical burns, mechanical trauma, and systemic disorders. PED is known for its resistance to standard treatments, making Nexagon’s potential a significant breakthrough.

Eyevance Pharmaceuticals is set to fund a pivotal clinical trial for Nexagon, scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2019. This trial represents a critical step in assessing the drug’s effectiveness and advancing its development.

Transformative Potential of Nexagon

Nexagon is an unmodified antisense oligodeoxynucleotide that targets connexin43 (Cx43), a protein overexpressed following corneal injuries or in chronic conditions. Cx43 is known to form hemichannels that, when prematurely open, allow extracellular ATP to enter the space around cells. This triggers an inflammatory response, leading to microvascular damage and limbal tissue ischemia.

By blocking the overexpression of Cx43, Nexagon aims to interrupt this inflammatory cascade, potentially restoring limbal microvasculature and promoting the regeneration of corneal epithelium. This innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment of PED, offering new hope for patients who currently have limited options.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Brian Levy, CEO of OcuNexus Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting Nexagon’s potential to address severe trauma and improve patient outcomes. He noted that the drug’s unique mechanism of targeting Cx43 and the inflammasome pathway could herald a new era in treating microvascular diseases.

Jerry St. Peter, CEO and Director of Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to developing innovative eye care solutions. St. Peter remarked on Nexagon’s potential to benefit an underserved patient population and looked forward to advancing its clinical development.

The acquisition of Nexagon by Eyevance Pharmaceuticals marks a pivotal moment in the field of ophthalmic drug development. With plans for an upcoming clinical trial and a focus on addressing PED, Eyevance is poised to make significant strides in treating this challenging condition. The drug’s ability to target Cx43 and modulate inflammation offers a promising new avenue for patient care, potentially transforming outcomes for those affected by persistent corneal epithelial defects.