Glaukos Achieves Pipeline Milestone with Enrollment Completion in Phase 3 Confirmatory Trial for Epioxa (Epi-on)
Glaukos announced the completion of enrollment and randomization in its second phase 3 confirmatory pivotal trial for Epioxa (Epi-on), its next-generation corneal cross-linking therapy for the treatment of keratoconus.
“The expeditious enrollment completion in the Epioxa phase 3 confirmatory trial, which only commenced earlier this year, is a testament to the favorable risk-benefit profile of this next-generation therapy as well as our team’s hard work in bringing this important therapy one step closer to patients suffering from keratoconus, a sight-threatening corneal disease,” Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and chief executive officer, said in a company news release. “We appreciate the commitment and dedication of the clinical investigators, who played a vital role in helping to achieve this enrollment milestone ahead of our original timing expectations. We look forward to following these patients’ outcomes as we target a US new drug application (NDA) submission for Epioxa by the end of 2024.”
The Epioxa multicenter, randomized, placebo and sham procedure controlled, phase 3 confirmatory pivotal trial randomized 312 eyes and was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Glaukos’ Epioxa therapy in impeding the progression of, and/or reducing maximum corneal curvature (Kmax) in eyes with progressive keratoconus. Kmax is an objective measurement of the steepest corneal curvature based on corneal topography, where an increasing Kmax denotes corneal steepening and keratoconus disease progression. The study eyes were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive Epioxa therapy or placebo and sham procedure control treatment. The study’s primary efficacy endpoint is the mean change in Kmax from baseline to Month 12. Based on an agreement with the FDA, the study will be considered a success if the difference between the treatment and control arm in the primary efficacy endpoint is statistically significant and the difference is ≥ 1.0 diopter (D).
Results from this second phase 3 confirmatory pivotal trial together with the already-completed first phase 3 pivotal trial are expected to support Glaukos’ targeted NDA submission for Epioxa by the end of 2024. As a reminder, the FDA has confirmed Glaukos’ first phase 3 pivotal trial for Epioxa, which met the prespecified primary efficacy endpoint, would be adequate to support the submission and review of an eventual NDA, in conjunction with this second phase 3 trial, according to Glaukos.
As Glaukos continues to advance its clinical plans for Epioxa, the company said it remains well-positioned to serve keratoconus patients with its first-generation corneal cross-linking therapy, Photrexa, or Epi-off, which remains the only FDA-approved treatment shown to slow and halt the progression of keratoconus.