Promising Results for OLN324 in Diabetic Eye Diseases
Introduction
Innovent Biologics, Inc. in collaboration with Ollin Biosciences has announced encouraging findings from the Phase 1b JADE clinical study that compares their novel treatment, IBI324, to existing therapy Faricimab (Vabysmo®). This study focused on conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), which significantly impact vision in a large population.
Key Findings
The JADE study included over 160 participants, specifically assessing the effectiveness of IBI324, a next-generation VEGF/Ang2 bispecific antibody. The results showcased that IBI324 exhibited up to 60 times greater potency against Ang2 compared to Faricimab.
Notably, patients treated with 4 mg of IBI324 experienced a remarkable reduction in retinal thickness, crucial for visual acuity, compared to those receiving Faricimab. At the one-week mark, the average decrease in central subfield thickness (CST) was approximately 79 µm for IBI324 versus 45 µm for Faricimab. By week 12, the differences remained substantial, with reductions of 180 µm and 121 µm respectively.
Nearly 90% of patients treated with IBI324 achieved a complete absence of DME by week 12, a stark contrast to the 57% observed in the Faricimab group. Furthermore, comparable anatomical improvements were observed between treatment groups in wAMD patients, indicating a broader applicability of IBI324.
Expert Insights
Dr. Arshad M. Khanani, a prominent figure in retinal research, emphasized the significance of these findings. He stated, “DME poses major treatment challenges and often tests new therapies to establish their potential as a standard of care. The speed and efficacy in retinal recovery our study has shown may lead to substantial implications for treating various retinal diseases.”
Jason Ehrlich, M.D., CEO of Ollin Biosciences, remarked on the groundbreaking nature of these results, claiming that IBI324's superior efficacy sets it apart from the current market leader Faricimab in a randomized trial scenario.
Clinical Implications
This promising profile suggests that IBI324 could reshape practice standards for treatment of retinal diseases, particularly in patients facing the burdens of diabetes. With an estimated global market of about $15 billion devoted to retinal therapeutics, the potential for OLN324 is vast.
Dr. Lei Qian from Innovent expressed excitement over IBI324’s trajectory, highlighting the collaborative effort with Ollin to expedite development pathways for this innovative drug.
Next Steps
Following these results, further discussions with health authorities are anticipated to facilitate a smooth transition into Phase 3 trials for both DME and wAMD.
Conclusion
The JADE study reflects a significant advancement in the ongoing fight against vision-threatening diseases. As IBI324 (OLN324) shows distinctive benefits, including rapid efficacy and improved patient outcomes, its integration into clinical practice could mark a new era in retinal disease management. As research continues, both Innovent and Ollin remain committed to further enhancing the lives of patients through novel therapies.
About the Companies
Ollin Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical entity focused on developing treatments for vision-threatening conditions. Established in 2023, Ollin’s commitment to innovation positions it at the forefront of advancements in ophthalmology.
Innovent Biologics is a leading worldwide biopharmaceutical company, established in 2011, known for its dedication to producing effective medications for a range of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Their robust pipeline seeks to empower patients with accessible treatments while maintaining a high standard in the biopharmaceutical industry.