Ophthotech Corporation has announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2/3 clinical study of Zimura® (avacincaptad pegol sodium) for treatment of advanced dry macular degeneration (MD). Zimura® is an inhibitor of complement factor C5, a central component of the complement cascade believed to be involved in the development of AMD. The Company has also recently initiated a Phase 2 study of Zimura® in combination with anti-VEGF therapy for wet MD patients.
This is the company’s second drug under study for people with MD. The other is Fovista, designed for use in combination with anti-VEGF injections for treatment of the wet form of the disease.
“Dry age-related macular degeneration continues to be a significant unmet medical need globally with no approved treatment options available to patients,” said David R. Guyer, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ophthotech. To read about this and other treatments under study for dry MD, see A guide to Research in Dry Macular Degeneration.
