Tag: OCGN

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

February 21, 2025

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MALVERN, Pa., Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that it will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results and provide a business update at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Ocugen will issue a pre-market earnings announcement on the same day. Attendees are invited to participate on the call using the following details:

Dial-in Numbers: (800) 715-9871 for U.S. callers and (646) 307-1963 for international callers
Conference ID: 5045393
Webcast: Available on the events section of the Ocugen investor site.

A replay of the call and archived webcast will be available for approximately 45 days following the event on the Ocugen investor site.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
AVP, Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com 

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

February 3, 2025

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MALVERN, Pa., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that the European Commission has provided a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) for OCU400 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) classification. OCU400 is the first gene therapy to enter Phase 3 with a broad retinitis pigmentosa (RP) indication.

“Receiving ATMP classification is another significant milestone toward bringing OCU400 to the market in Europe,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Ocugen. “This designation makes it possible to stay on track with our clinical and commercial strategy and potentially provide this novel modifier gene therapy candidate to all RP patients in the United States (U.S.) and Europe by 2027.”

ATMP classification is granted to medicines that can offer groundbreaking opportunities for the treatment of disease and accelerates the regulatory review timeline of this potential one-time gene therapy for life. Additionally, this classification allows Ocugen to interact with EMA more frequently for scientific advice and protocol assistance as the Company pursues Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) filing in 2026.

Underscoring the vital need for gene-agnostic treatments for diseases with multiple mutations such as RP, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EMA have acknowledged that the ongoing single, pivotal Phase 3 trial of OCU400 can suffice for Biologics License Application (BLA)/MAA submissions. Ocugen intends to file simultaneously in the U.S. and Europe upon completion of the Phase 3 trial.

The Phase 3 OCU400 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently enrolling. The study has a sample size of 150 participants—one arm of 75 participants with RHO gene mutations and the other arm with 75 participants that are gene agnostic. In each arm, participants will be randomized 2:1 to the treatment group (2.5 x 10¹⁰ vg/eye of OCU400) and untreated control group, respectively. Patients eight years of age and older, with early through late-stage advancement of RP, are being recruited to participate in the liMeliGhT study.

“We are encouraged by the EMA’s recognition of OCU400 as the Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial advances,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the EMA to address the unmet medical need that remains for nearly 98% of the RP patient population.”

RP affects nearly 310,000 patients in the U.S., EU, and Canada. Currently, RP is associated with mutations in more than 100 genes and there are no approved treatment options that slow or stop the progression of multiple forms of RP.

OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on NHR gene, NR2E3. NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has the potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with inherited retinal diseases.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; the ability of OCU400 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical, preclinical or previous clinical study data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
AVP, Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 27, 2025

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• OCU500 will be administered via inhalation and as a nasal spray
• COVID-19 remains a substantial public health threat in the U.S. and around the world
• Phase 1 clinical trial is anticipated to start in 2Q 2025

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application and it is in effect. This is a critical step toward the initiation of the Phase 1 clinical trial for OCU500—an inhaled mucosal vaccine for COVID-19. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, will sponsor and conduct the Phase 1 trial to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of OCU500 administered via two different routes, inhalation into the lungs and intranasally as a spray.

“We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with NIAID and pleased to bring our novel vaccine technology into the clinic through Project NextGen,” said Mike Shine, Senior Vice President, Commercial at Ocugen. “COVID-19 remains a real public health concern, and an increasing number of studies are showing the benefit of mucosal vaccines that attack the virus where it enters the body—through the nose and mouth—to give better and longer protection. We look forward to this important next step in potentially providing a more durable and safer option to help prevent infection and transmission of COVID-19 regarding various variants of concern.”

Even though the pandemic has ended, COVID-19 still presents a significant burden in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that from October 1, 2024 to January 11, 2025, there were 4.4 to 7.9 million COVID infections, resulting in 120,000 to 210,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 to 25,000 deaths.

The Phase 1 trial would enroll 80 adult subjects aged 18 to 64 years. Forty (40) subjects would be assigned to the low-dose group, and 40 subjects would be assigned to the high-dose group. Within each group, 20 subjects would receive the inhalation form of the vaccine, and the other 20 subjects would receive the intranasal form. The primary aim of the study would be to determine safety, while secondary and exploratory endpoints include antibody production and the number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections.

OCU500 is based on a novel chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored (ChAd36) technology. Earlier clinical studies to prevent COVID-19 that employed a similar technology administered via inhalation demonstrated increased mucosal and systemic antibodies and a durable immune response up to one year using one-fifth the dose compared to the same vaccine administered intramuscularly. Ocugen intends to expand this mucosal platform to address other serious respiratory threats including seasonal influenza, bird flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The original ChAd36 vector that makes the Ocugen vaccine unique was licensed from Washington University in St. Louis.

“We are delighted to see the progress of the ChAd36 vector encoding a SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen that was originally designed and tested at Washington University in St. Louis,” said Dr. Michael Diamond, Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunity to Microbial Pathogens at Washington University School of Medicine. “We believe this vector is ideal for mucosal administration and can be designed to carry COVID-19 strains as well as influenza and antigens from other respiratory viruses,” added Dr. David Curiel, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, co-collaborator on the vector design. 

Project NextGen is a $5 billion multi-government agency initiative to develop the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics to combat the spread of COVID-19. NIAID, with funding from Project NextGen, will cover the full cost of the Phase 1 clinical trial, including operations and related analysis. Ocugen is providing clinical trial materials and, upon completion, will have full right of reference to the findings, which Ocugen believes will provide clinical evidence to support the further development of the Company’s lead mucosal vaccine candidate.

“Ocugen further advanced the vector technology, enabling the incorporation of single/multiple antigens into a single vector. This innovation offers significant manufacturing flexibility in responding to emerging variants within one hundred days of identifying a circulating variant of concern,” said Dr. Arun Upadhyay, Chief Scientific Officer at Ocugen. “This vector technology, combined with mucosal delivery, has the potential to enable rapid development of respiratory vaccines in response to future outbreaks including bird flu.”

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; the ability of OCU500 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical or preclinical study data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 16, 2025

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MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in the OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial for diabetic macular edema (DME).

“OCU200 has the potential to change the treatment landscape for DME, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) with its unique mechanism of action, binding the active component—tumstatin—to integrin receptors that play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “OCU200 holds the promise to benefit all DME patients, including the 30-40% of patients who do not respond to current anti-VEGF therapies.”

The OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation study to assess drug safety via intravitreal injection in three cohorts: low dose (0.025 mg), medium dose (0.05 mg), and high dose (0.1 mg). All subjects will receive a total of two intravitreal injections of OCU200 six weeks apart. Patient follow-up will take place up to three months after the last injection.

Approximately 12 million people in the United States and 130 million people worldwide are affected by DME, DR or wet AMD. Patients affected by these diseases share common symptoms, such as blurriness in vision and progressive vision loss as the disease progresses. The formation of fragile and leaky new blood vessels leads to fluid accumulation in and around the retina, causing damage to vision.

“I am seeing an increasing rate of vision-threatening diseases associated with diabetes at my clinic and am eager to provide a new therapeutic option to these patients,” said Dr. David Almedia, Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Clinician Scientist, President and CEO of Erie Retina Research, and Founder and President of Case X Global in Erie, Pennsylvania. “There remains a considerable unmet medical need for DME and DR patients with currently available anti-VEGF treatments.”

OCU200 is a recombinant fusion protein that consists of two parts connected by a linker: tumstatin, the active component, acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-VEGF agent by binding to integrin receptors; and transferrin, which targets the drug to the choroid and retina by binding transferrin receptors on endothelial cells. These features will potentially enable OCU200 to reduce the vascular permeability, inflammation, and neovascularization that drive the pathophysiology of DME, DR, and wet AMD at a significantly lower dose compared to currently approved therapies.

“We are enthusiastic about getting patients started in the OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial and sharing not only safety but preliminary efficacy data as the study progresses,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “OCU200 brings an innovative biologic candidate to Ocugen’s ophthalmology portfolio targeting blindness diseases.”

The Company intends to pursue approval to use OCU200 as a first-line therapy for DME, DR, and wet AMD.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; the ability of OCU200 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical or preclinical study data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 13, 2025

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• 100% (9/9) of treated evaluable subjects demonstrated improvement or preservation in visual function compared to untreated eyes at both one and two years
• 100% (9/9) of treated evaluable subjects demonstrated improvement or stabilization in mobility testing, which was only performed up to one year
• Improvement in visual function was statistically significant (p=0.01, treated vs untreated eyes), regardless of mutation at two years
• Favorable long-term safety and tolerability profile with no serious adverse events related to OCU400

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced a positive 2-year safety and efficacy update for the Phase 1/2 OCU400 clinical trial. OCU400 is intended for the treatment of early to advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in pediatric and adult populations. Currently, about 2 million patients globally (~300,000 in U.S./EU) desperately need rescue, otherwise they can potentially become legally blind at some point in their life. OCU400 is intended to treat all these patients with a one-time therapy.

OCU400 demonstrated meaningful improvement of 2-line gain (10 letters on ETDRS chart) in low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA) in treated eyes when compared to untreated fellow eyes. This treatment effect was statistically significant (p=0.01) in all subjects, regardless of mutation at two years, validating the gene-agnostic mechanism of action for OCU400.

This data highlights the unique therapeutic potential of OCU400. To date, Ocugen’s groundbreaking modifier gene therapy platform provides long-term safety and meaningful improvements in visual function for patients suffering from RP—a condition that leads to progressive vision loss.

“We are thrilled to share these compelling results from the Phase 1/2 OCU400 trial,” said Shankar Musunuri, PhD, MBA, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “These findings represent a significant step forward in our mission to bring life-changing therapies to patients with inherited retinal disorders and confirm the transformative potential of our modifier gene therapy platform.”

“It is truly remarkable to see the significant improvements in visual acuity in patients treated with OCU400 sustained at two years,” said Syed M. Shah, MD, FACS, Vice Chair for Research and Digital Medicine, Director of Retina Service at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin. “The broad spectrum of genes and mutations causing RP presents a unique challenge in developing treatments for this unmet need. This is where the promise of mutation-agnostic therapies becomes particularly compelling. OCU400’s demonstrated effectiveness across multiple mutations not only offers hope to RP patients but also opens new possibilities for treating other retinal diseases.”

“Establishing the long-term safety and efficacy of OCU400 demonstrates the durability of this novel gene therapy,” said Huma Qamar, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “These 2 year low light visual acuity (LLVA) findings, which are the most sensitive measure of visual function, are consistent with the results observed at one year.”

The Phase 3 OCU400 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently ongoing and on target for BLA submission in the first half of 2026.

About OCU400
OCU400 is the Company’s modifier gene therapy product based on a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) gene called NR2E3. This gene regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina, such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation, and cell survival. Retinal cells in RP patients have a dysfunctional gene network, and OCU400 resets this network to reestablish a healthy cellular homeostasis—which has the potential to improve vision in patients with RP.

About Modifier Gene Therapy
Modifier gene therapy is designed to fulfill unmet medical needs related to retinal diseases, including IRDs, such as RP and Stargardt disease, as well as multifactorial diseases like dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Our modifier gene therapy platform is based on the use of NHRs, master gene regulators, which have the potential to restore homeostasis—the basic biological processes in the retina. Unlike single-gene replacement therapies, which only target one genetic mutation, we believe that our modifier gene therapy platform, through its use of NHRs, represents a novel approach that has the potential to address multiple retinal diseases caused by mutations in multiple genes with one product, and to address complex diseases that are potentially caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks. Currently, Ocugen has three modifier gene therapy programs in the clinic: OCU400, OCU410, and OCU410ST. In addition to the OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial, the OCU410 Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dAMD and the OCU410ST Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease are currently underway. GA affects approximately two to three million people in the U.S. and EU combined, and Stargardt disease affects nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. and EU combined.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; the ability of OCU400 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical, preclinical or previous clinical study data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Corporate Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

November 20, 2024

MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted orphan medicinal product designation for OCU410ST for the treatment of ABCA4-associated retinopathies including Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa 19 (RP19), and cone-rod dystrophy 3 (CORD3).

“We are deeply honored to receive orphan medicinal product designation from the EMA for OCU410ST. This recognition brings us one step closer to providing a much-needed option for Stargardt patients who currently have no therapies available,” said Dr. Arun Upadhyay, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of R&D at Ocugen. “We are committed to advancing this treatment with urgency and dedication, with the hope of making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this challenging disease.”  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously granted orphan drug designation to OCU410ST in April 2023. Stargardt disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and Europe combined.

Orphan medicinal product designation in Europe offers certain benefits to drug developers while they develop drugs intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases or conditions that impact fewer than 5 in 10,000 patients in the European Union. Benefits include protocol assistance, reduced regulatory fees, research grants, and 10 years of market exclusivity following regulatory approval.

Dosing in the first phase of the Phase 1/2 OCU410ST GARDian trial for Stargardt disease is complete and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recommended moving forward with Phase 2. To date, the safety and tolerability profile of OCU410ST appears to be very favorable.

Preliminary efficacy and safety data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the Phase 1/2 OCU410ST GARDian clinical trial was recently presented at Ocugen’s Clinical Showcase. Data from evaluable subjects at six months demonstrated a remarkable 84% reduction in atrophic lesion growth in treated eyes versus untreated fellow eyes.

“We are encouraged by the preliminary efficacy data showing stabilization or improvement in visual function and retinal structure outcomes in OCU410ST treated eyes,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “These positive clinical and regulatory milestones continue to support the potential for OCU410ST to address inherited retinal diseases with a one-time therapy for life.”

OCU410ST utilizes an AAV delivery platform for the retinal delivery of the RORA (RAR Related Orphan Receptor A) gene and further represents the impact of Ocugen’s modifier gene therapy approach, which is based on Nuclear Hormone Receptors (NHRs) that regulate diverse physiological functions such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks.

Ocugen intends to pursue an accelerated marketing authorization application (MAA) for OCU410ST.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, strategy, business plans and objectives for Ocugen’s clinical programs, plans and timelines for the preclinical and clinical development of Ocugen’s product candidates, including the therapeutic potential, clinical benefits and safety thereof, expectations regarding timing, success and data announcements of current ongoing preclinical and clinical trials, the ability to initiate new clinical programs; statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

November 19, 2024

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MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced positive preliminary efficacy and safety data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the Phase 1/2 OCU410 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA), secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Key findings include: no drug-related serious adverse events, reduced lesion growth, preservation of retinal tissue, and—most importantly—there was a positive effect on the functional visual measure of low luminance visual acuity (LLVA).

Currently, there are approximately three million people living with GA in the United States (U.S.) and Europe combined. Patients in the U.S. have only one option available, anti-complement therapy, which requires multiple injections and only addresses one aspect of the disease. There remains no treatment option for GA in Europe.

The OCU410 Phase 1 trial is evaluating nine patients in three dose cohorts (low, medium, and high). The following data was observed for the three patients in the low dose cohort at six months:

• Considerably slower lesion growth (21.4%) from baseline in treated vs. untreated fellow eyes that followed the natural history of the disease. This result is favorable when compared to published data on pegcetacoplan injected every month or every other month over six months.
• OCU410 treatment showed increasing preservation of retinal tissue around the GA lesions of treated eyes over six months, which also compared favorably to published data on pegcetacoplan given monthly and every other month.
• 100% of the OCU410 treated eyes showed stabilization of visual function demonstrating treatment benefit as measured by LLVA.

“Currently approved treatments for GA have not shown significant benefit in visual function. More importantly, we often do not realize the logistical challenge and emotional burden both patients and their caregivers must endure for every month or every other month visits,” said Syed M. Shah, MD, FACS, Director of Retina Service, Vice Chair for Research & Digital Health at Emplify Health – La Crosse, Wisconsin. “Based on the science and preliminary data, OCU410 has the potential to improve structural as well as functional outcomes. This ‘one-and-done’ treatment paradigm can be a gamechanger for how we treat patients with GA.”  

“OCU410 addresses multiple aspects of the disease beyond the complement pathway,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “The latest OCU410 data emphasizes the potential of novel modifier gene therapy as a one-time treatment for dAMD. We remain very encouraged by the latest safety and efficacy data and positive patient outcomes.”

Ocugen also announced promising data from the Phase 1/2 OCU410ST GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease and data on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) from the Phase 1/2 OCU400 clinical trial. All these findings, as well as commentary from study investigators and patient perspectives, were shared at the Company’s recent Clinical Showcase. The data affirms the potential for modifier gene therapy to address both rare inherited retinal diseases and blindness diseases affecting millions.

A full replay of the showcase is available on the Events section of the Ocugen website. For more information about Ocugen’s ongoing clinical trials, please contact clinical.request@ocugen.com

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, strategy, business plans and objectives for Ocugen’s clinical programs, plans and timelines for the preclinical and clinical development of Ocugen’s product candidates, including the therapeutic potential, clinical benefits and safety thereof, expectations regarding timing, success and data announcements of current ongoing preclinical and clinical trials, the ability to initiate new clinical programs; statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com