Omeros Reports Positive OMS721 Data

Omeros Corporation OMER today announced positive data using OMS721, the lead human monoclonal antibody in Omeros' mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) program, in a well-established animal model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is characterized by abnormal growth of new blood vessels behind the retina of the eye and is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 60 years of age. Omeros is currently completing a Phase 1 clinical trial of OMS721 in healthy subjects. The study was conducted by Dr. Puran S. Bora and colleagues at the Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. In this animal model, new vessel growth in the eye is induced by laser treatment. Systemically administered OMS721 resulted in less than half of the blood vessel development compared to placebo treatment. The study included an antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that also reduced blood vessel growth, and OMS721 outperformed the anti-VEGF treatment. Anti-VEGF treatment is the current mainstay of commercially available therapies for neovascular AMD. Omeros controls the worldwide rights to MASP-2 and all therapeutics See full press release