#United States #South San Francisco #Perceive Bio #VOY-101 #Tony Gibney

Perceive Biotherapeutics Completes Enrollment in Phase 2a JOURNEY Study

Company Overview
Perceive Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology firm focused on developing innovative gene therapies specifically in the field of ophthalmology. The company's latest advancements entail VOY-101, a gene therapy targeting geographic atrophy related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Enrollment Completion Announcement
On October 9, 2026, Perceive Biotherapeutics proudly revealed that it has successfully finalized the enrollment process for its Phase 2a clinical study known as the JOURNEY study (PBI-AMD-002). Remarkably, the trial has surpassed its original enrollment target by including a total of 94 eyes from 47 patients, significantly exceeding the intended goal of 62 eyes. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of VOY-101 in patients suffering from geographic atrophy, a severe form of AMD. Topline data from the 15-month primary endpoint are anticipated by late 2027.

The Study Design
The JOURNEY study is a randomized, open-label, multi-center trial conducting evaluations based on a single intravitreal injection of VOY-101. One eye of each participant, randomly chosen, receives the VOY-101 treatment while the counterpart eye acts as a control. This beneficial design accounts for genetic factors, environmental exposure, and participant age—all crucial in the progression of AMD. The primary aim is to monitor changes in the size of GA lesions at the 15-month mark, alongside secondary measures involving visual acuity, safety, and tolerability.

CEO's Remarks
K. Angela Macfarlane, the CEO of Perceive Bio, expressed her satisfaction with reaching the enrollment milestone, emphasizing the pressing need from patients living with geographic atrophy and the dedication shown by the investigators and participating sites. She articulated the transformative potential of VOY-101, which is formulated as a one-time injection designed to restore the body's natural regulation of the complement pathway, an essential factor for those at high risk of disease progression.

Market Context
AMD stands as a chief source of irreversible vision loss specifically among individuals over the age of 60. Specifically, geographic atrophy affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States alone and leads to gradual retinal damage, resulting in loss of central vision. The introduction of a genetically targeted approach like VOY-101 may revolutionize the therapeutic landscape for managing this chronic condition.

New Addition to the Board
Simultaneously, Perceive Bio announced the induction of Tony Gibney to its Board of Directors as an independent Director. Mr. Gibney brings over three decades of rich experience in biotechnology and strategic financial management. His previous roles include key financial leadership positions in companies emphasizing ocular oncology and complement therapy, giving him a rare perspective on the potential for VOY-101.

Endorsements from Peers
Cameron Wheeler, a partner at Deerfield Management, highlighted Gibney's extensive expertise, particularly his involvement in the launch of notable complement inhibitors aimed at geographic atrophy. According to Mr. Gibney, the one-time, gene therapy presents a much-needed solution for patients grappling with the unpredictability of their condition, potentially disrupting the natural progression at its origin.

About VOY-101
VOY-101 is an investigational gene therapy utilizing recombinant adeno-associated virus technology to produce a protective variant of Complement Factor H. Its design allows for long-term therapeutic protein production through a single injection, targeting the regulation of the complement pathway to effectively slow GA progression. The ongoing JOURNEY study is structured as a fellow-eye controlled design and will follow participants for 24 months, ensuring a thorough evaluation of VOY-101’s efficacy.

Company Background
Perceive Biotherapeutics is committed to pioneering transformative gene therapy solutions centered around protecting vision in patients suffering from retinal blindness, including dry AMD. Supported by leading investors such as Deerfield Management and Johnson & Johnson Innovation, the company has established a robust foundation through strategic collaborations aimed at advancing research within genetic science. For further information, visit www.perceivebio.com.