Antioxidant Molecule Under Evaluation for Delaying Catara

Biopharmaceutical startup Nacuity Pharmaceuticals announced that a clinical trial site has been added to its phase ½ clinical trial of NPI-002, a propriety antioxidant molecule delivered via sustained-release intravitreal implant designed to delay the progression of cataracts in patients undergoing vitrectomy.

The first part of the randomized, controlled, masked clinical trial is underway at The Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, where four participants are enrolled, three of whom have been screened and are awaiting vitrectomy. Robert Casson, MBBS (Hons), DPhil, principal investigator of the trial and professor at Royal Adelaide Hospital, said, “Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the onset and progression of cataracts and may be reduced using NPI-002, a differentiated antioxidant therapy.”

The first cohort is expected to achieve full enrollment by the third quarter of 2023, with 30 patients across all sites targeted by the end of 2023. Clinical proof of concept data are expected by mid-2024.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

How Are OTC BC Pills Like CL and Spectacle Rxs?

The FDA approval of the first OTC birth control pill, Opill (Perrigo) marks a significant development in reproductive health care. The approval makes birth control accessible without a prescription and without age restrictions on sales.

Photo courtesy of Perrigo.

This decision is expected to increase convenience and accessibility to birth control for women across the United States. By eliminating the need for a doctor’s visit and a prescription, women can have direct access to birth control pills at pharmacies and other retail outlets. It is important to note that the pill still requires responsible usage and adherence to the instructions to ensure its effectiveness.

My Two Cents

I’m going to stay out of the political aspect of this discussion because that’s not what this newsletter is about; however, it is interesting and notable that the FDA has approved an OTC version of something that historically requires a yearly visit to one’s doctor to get “re-upped” and refilled. The similarities between birth control and contact lens/glasses prescriptions are very similar in the patient’s eyes.

CAN YOU RELATE

Yearly vacation time! As I sit here and write this newsletter, I’m on a beach in Northern Michigan surrounded by my family and my fiancé—not to mention the beautiful (non-Louisiana) weather, the crystal clear lakes, the blossoming cherry trees, and the wonderful wineries.

Every year, during the second week of July, I take an entire week off to recharge my batteries and escape from the world. No internet, minimal cell phone coverage, and very few eyeball-related activities. There’s nothing quite like it! When I return to the clinic next week, my passion will be fully recharged, and I’ll be ready to act like a new grad once again. While up here at “the cabin,” we don’t worry about how much things cost, and whenever we purchase something that’s a little expensive, my whole family looks at each other and says, “that’s why we work so hard!” Then, throughout the year, when work gets stressful, I have trained myself to look around and remember that this trip is one of the reasons I work so hard! What do you work for?