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Oxford BioMedica provides update on RetinoStat?
Oxford BioMedica provides update on RetinoStat?.
About this update from Oxford Biomedica Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 7159F Oxford Biomedica PLC 29 April 2014 \n \n\n \n \n \nOxford BioMedica provides update on RetinoStat® Programme \n \nOxford, UK - 29 April 2014: Oxford BioMedica plc (LSE: OXB), (\"the Company\") the leading gene based biopharmaceutical company, announces that it will regain the worldwide rights to RetinoStat®, a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (\"Wet AMD\"). Sanofi has notified Oxford BioMedica that due to pipeline prioritisation they will not be taking up the option to continue development of RetinoStat® beyond the currently ongoing Phase I study. Sanofi has confirmed that this decision is not linked to unexpected results based on an analysis of the data from the study.\n \nOn 7 April 2014, Oxford BioMedica announced that it had successfully completed the recruitment and dosing of the Phase I trial of RetinoStat®. Interim analysis of patient data from the ongoing open-label study, which has been designed to assess the safety and aspects of biological activity of RetinoStat® in the eye, has demonstrated safety and signs of efficacy. Indicative results from the study are expected towards the end of 2014.\n \nThere is considerable interest in therapies for Wet AMD which is currently treated with Lucentis® and Eylea® (global 2013 sales ~ $6.0 billion, source: Novartis/Roche/Regeneron) and the Company has previously received expressions of interest in RetinoStat® from both large pharmaceutical/biotech companies and financial investors in the event of Sanofi not exercising its option. The Company is therefore confident that once the indicative results from the study are available there will be significant demand for what will then be a Phase II-ready product for a major ocular indication.\n \nCommenting on the announcement, John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford BioMedica, said: \"RetinoStat® has the potential to provide long-term or even permanent treatment of a major ocular disease from a single dose, and therefore offers a major step forward for patients. Whilst I am disappointed that Sanofi, who has been a good partner during the collaboration and paid for the Phase I development to date, has decided to take forward only StarGen™ and UshStat® and not RetinoStat® I am excited to regain control over a product which will...