Iveric Bio has struck a deal to switch up the delivery profile of its age-related macular degeneration prospect Zimura. With phase 3 data on the current formulation due soon, the retinal disease biotech has partnered with DelSiTech to develop a sustained-release successor.
The complement C5 inhibitor met its pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint in the first of two phase 3 clinical trials, leading Iveric to outline plans to seek approval if the second study hits the mark in the third quarter. Iveric is advancing the candidate on the strength of evidence that targeting C5 can inhibit two triggers of cell death and thereby slow geographic atrophy growth.
While waiting on the phase 3 data, Iveric has begun thinking about how to improve on the current form of Zimura, specifically by making delivery less burdensome. Participants in the ongoing phase 3 trial start on monthly eye injections before switching to every other month for the second year of the study.
A sustained-release version of Zimura could have a less onerous dosing schedule. Recognizing that, Iveric has teamed up with DelSiTech to access the silica-based sustained-release technology that has attracted other ophthalmology biotechs such as Optifye Therapeutics and Visus Therapeutics.
Iveric is paying DelSiTech a 1.25 million euro ($1.29 million) upfront license fee for the right to develop and commercialize new formulations of Zimura based on the silica-based sustained-release technology. The deal features up to 35 million euros in clinical and development milestones and up to 60 million euros if Iveric hits specified commercial sales targets.
“This agreement underscores our commitment to invest in lifecycle initiatives for Zimura,” Iveric CEO Glenn Sblendorio said in a statement. “We are excited about the possibilities to expand Zimura into earlier stages of AMD and potentially allow for a next-generation treatment to help patients with GA.”