LUXEMBOURG (PRWEB) February 26, 2021
Mitotech S.A, a Luxembourg-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, and Essex Bio-Technology, a China-based bio-pharmaceutical company, announced positive data from their VISTA-2 study (NCT04206020) – a U.S. randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of SkQ1 as treatment for Dry Eye Disease (DED).
Performed in collaboration with Ora®, Inc, VISTA-2 was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study with two treatment arms: BID SkQ1 ophthalmic solution and BID vehicle. 610 patients were enrolled in the study across more than a dozen centers in the U.S. and received treatment over a 2-month period.
"VISTA-2 results enable a unique and clear plan for our next study VISTA-3," said Natalia Perekhvatova, Chief Executive Officer of Mitotech S.A. "Consistent efficacy signal in our predetermined key secondary sign – central corneal staining at day 28 – that we see in both VISTA-1 and VISTA-2 datasets is very encouraging as is improvement in visual function. We are very optimistic ahead of our meeting with the U.S. FDA this Spring, where we will be looking to confirm with the agency Mitotech’s next development steps targeting NDA submission in 2022."
One of study’s predetermined key secondary endpoints – change from baseline in central fluorescein staining after just 28 days of treatment – demonstrated statistically significant signal (p<0.05) against vehicle group in a large subgroup of patients characterized by higher Schirmer’s scores. Importantly, this efficacy signal was observed in both VISTA-1 and VISTA-2 studies for that subgroup of patients, driving CCFS p-value for the combined two-study dataset to <0.0005. Same subgroup of patients demonstrated statistically significant clearing of central fluorescein staining (defined as zero staining in central cornea) at day 28 with p-values against vehicle group reaching <0.05 for each of the studies. A significant improvement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at day 28 was also observed in both studies (p<0.05 in VISTA-1 and VISTA-2) against vehicle group, providing further support for CCFS findings.
Consistent signal in these secondary endpoints provides clear guidance for primary endpoint designation in Mitotech’s next pivotal study for the purpose of NDA submission, replacing VISTA-2 nominal co-primaries (conjunctival fluorescein staining and ocular discomfort at day 56). VISTA-2 study continues to highlight excellent safety profile of the drug with tolerability being statistically similar to that of an artificial tear.
"Both VISTA-1 and VISTA-2 outcomes demonstrate SkQ1’s significant impact on central corneal staining, and this is further supported by improvement in visual function which is meaningful to patients suffering from dry eye," said George Ousler, Senior Vice President, Anterior Segment at Ora, Inc. "Statistically significant clearing of central corneal staining compared to a vehicle that is similar to artificial tears is a unique finding. If confirmed in the next study, such result may have a positive impact on SkQ1’s time to market and availability to dry eye patients – subject to the company’s consultation with the FDA."
"SkQ1's mechanism of action against oxidative stress in the mitochondria is well displayed as we see efficacy in DED patient population (with excellent safety and tolerability profile) within VISTA-1 and VISTA-2," said Malcolm Ngiam, Deputy Managing Director of Essex Bio-Technology Limited. "We are excited about the read-out (clearing of central staining of the cornea), revealing the potential of SkQ1 in addressing oxidative stress in DED. Thus, we look forward to the impact of VISTA-3 on the overall regulatory pathway towards NDA."
About Mitotech S.A.
Mitotech S.A. is a Luxembourg-based biotechnology company developing novel drugs for treatment of mitochondrial oxidative stress in predominantly age-related disorders. The core technology behind Mitotech products is based on a novel class of small molecules – mitochondria targeting cardiolipin peroxidation inhibitors. VISTA-1 – a Phase 2b/3 clinical study in the United States (NCT03764735) - SkQ1 showed evidence of efficacy in reducing both the signs and symptoms in DED patients. Dry AMD and LHON programs for SkQ1 ophthalmic solution are at pre-Phase 2 stage with Phase 2 studies projected to start in 2021. For more information, please visit http://www.mitotechpharma.com.
About Essex Bio-Technology
Essex Bio-Technology is a bio-pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercialises genetically engineered therapeutic rb-bFGF (FGF-2), having five commercialised biologics marketed in China since 1998.
The products of the Company and its 3rd party products are prescribed for the treatment of wounds healing and diseases in Ophthalmology & Dermatology, which are marketed and sold through more than 9,000 hospitals and managed directly by its 43 regional sales offices in China.
Leveraging on its in-house R&D platform in growth factor and antibody, the Company maintains a pipeline of projects in various clinical stages, covering a wide range of fields and indications.
About Ora®, Inc.
Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic research organization with offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. For over 40 years, we have helped our clients earn more than 45 product approvals. We support a wide array of organizations, from start-ups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, to efficiently bring their new products from concept to market. Ora's unique models, methodologies, and global regulatory strategies have been refined and proven across thousands of global projects. We bring together the world's most extensive and experienced team of ophthalmic experts to maximize the value of new product initiatives. For more information, please visit http://www.oraclinical.com.
About George Ousler
George Ousler has 20 years of pioneering pharmaceutical development in the area of DED. He has authored over 250 publications on dry eye and has been invited to present his research at numerous national and international symposia. He serves on several noted DED research committees. As Senior Vice President of the Anterior Segment at Ora, Inc (a world leading Ophthalmology focused CRO), George develops clinical models and regulatory pathways for the evaluation of dry eye therapies and has studied many of the agents under investigation.