Ocular Therapeutix joins the long-acting race

In the world of wet age-related macular degeneration, long-acting projects are the new must-have. And Ocular Therapeutix just took a step forward with OTX-TKI, an implant designed to last at least six months.

Topline data released today from a phase 1 study, albeit in only 21 patients, look promising; however, Ocular’s stock, after rising more than 20% premarket, opened down 6%. Current market sentiment might not have helped, although on a conference call today detailed results were lacking, and execs said the group had yet to tinker with the formulation of OTX-TKI in a phase 2 trial due to start next year.