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Interim Phase II trial data of a shark-derived squalamine compound indicates benefit in wet AMD patients

Interim data from a phase II clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01678963) evaluating an ocular formulation of “squalamine” – an aminosterol compound originally identified in sharks – suggests potential anti-angiogenic benefits for patients with wet age related macular degeneration (AMD). The US based clinical study, running in twenty centres and sponsored by Ohr Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York City, delivered interim results at a recent American Society of Retinal Specialists meeting. While no independent peer-reviewed analysis of the study data has yet been released, the company claims that the results to date are positive. Commenting on the initial data Dr. Jeffrey Heier, study investigator and a member of Ohr’s scientific advisory board, stated, “the enhanced vision gains of OHR-102 [squalamine 0.2% eye drops] in combination with Lucentis over the Lucentis monotherapy regimen are encouraging. Visual acuity is the primary concern of our patients, and to be able to potentially augment their visual function with a non-invasive option would be of great benefit to them”.