Opthea Reports Half Year Results and Business Updates

Core Viewpoint - Opthea Limited is progressing towards delivering innovative therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), with significant advancements expected in its clinical trials and financial management [2][3]. Financial Results and Highlights - For the six months ended December 31, 2024, Opthea reported a net loss of US$131.9 million, an increase from US$101.7 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to fair value losses on investor options and interest expenses [5][23]. - Cash and cash equivalents stood at US$131.9 million as of December 31, 2024, with a cash runway expected to extend through the anticipated topline data readouts of the Phase 3 trials COAST and ShORe [2][5]. - Net cash flows used in operating activities were US$72.6 million, compared to US$69.4 million in the prior year [5]. Clinical Development Program - Opthea is conducting two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, COAST and ShORe, aimed at evaluating the efficacy of sozinibercept in combination with standard anti-VEGF-A therapies for wet AMD [9][14]. - Topline results from the COAST trial are expected in early Q2 CY2025, while results from the ShORe trial are anticipated in mid-CY2025 [6][9]. - Sozinibercept has received Fast Track Designation from the US FDA, indicating its potential to address significant unmet medical needs in wet AMD [9]. Product Overview - Sozinibercept is a first-in-class VEGF-C/D 'trap' inhibitor designed to improve vision in wet AMD patients, potentially becoming the first therapy in nearly 20 years to demonstrate superior visual outcomes [8][14]. - The drug targets the inhibition of VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which are known to contribute to retinal diseases, thereby preventing blood vessel growth and vascular leakage [8]. Corporate Highlights - Recent corporate developments include the appointment of new executives and the completion of a significant capital raising initiative totaling approximately A$227.3 million (US$150 million) [6][9]. - Opthea joined the S&P/ASX 300 Index in September 2024, reflecting its growing market presence [6].