APR 26, 2019
By Anni Griswold
Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit, Retina/Vitreous
A weekly roundup of ophthalmic news from around the web.
Alembic’s tobramycin ophthalmic solution, a therapeutic equivalent to Novartis’ Tobrex, just gained FDA approval. The topical antibiotic is indicated for bacterial infections of the external eye and surrounding tissues. Alembic Pharmaceuticals
The FDA has advised Belite Bio to proceed with phase 1 trials of LBS-008, a first-in-class oral capsule designed to fight toxin buildup in dry AMD and Stargardt disease. The novel drug will be one of the first drugs to graduate from the NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network, which funded the candidate’s discovery and development, and will continue to provide support through the phase 1 trial. Belite Bio
Microglia—immune cells of the central nervous system—may protect photoreceptors from death and limit tissue damage after retinal detachment. A new study finds that microglia act as biosensors of neuroinflammation in preclinical model of autoimmune uveitis. The previously unrecognized roles could someday lead to new treatments for uveitis and retinal diseases. Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Quantum dots for retinitis pigmentosa? 2CTech thinks so. The company plans to use $8 million in series B funding to showcase the ability of quantum dots—crystalline semiconductors measuring a few nanometers wide—to stimulate the neural retina, creating action potentials that trigger normal neural pathways to the brain. Previous human studies suggest a single injection of quantum dots may enhance vision. The upcoming studies aim to confirm that while satisfying the FDA’s early feasibility study requirements. Global Newswire
Xbrane’s ranibizumab biosimilar, Xlucane, just kicked off phase 3 trials in the United States. If all goes to plan, the company aims to launch the product by 2022 and—in partnership with German firm Stada Arzneimittel AG—reach $390 million in annual sales within 3 years. Xbrane Biopharma