Ocugen, Inc. Announces Positive Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency Related to the Approval Pathway for OCU410ST—Modifier Gene Therapy for Stargardt Disease

Core Viewpoint - Ocugen, Inc. has received a favorable opinion from the EMA's CHMP regarding the OCU410ST Phase 2/3 GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease, allowing a single U.S.-based trial for MAA submission, which could expedite marketing authorization in the EU [1][3]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The ongoing pivotal confirmatory OCU410ST Phase 2/3 GARDian clinical trial aims to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness in slowing lesion growth and improving visual acuity in Stargardt disease patients [1][2]. - The trial will enroll 51 participants, with 34 receiving a one-time subretinal injection of OCU410ST and 17 in a control group, focusing on the reduction of atrophic lesion size as the primary objective [2][3]. - The Phase 1 GARDian trial demonstrated a 48% slower lesion growth and a statistically significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months [2]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Implications - The EMA's opinion is expected to reduce the time and cost for Ocugen to gain marketing authorization in the EU, aligning with the company's goal of filing three BLAs in the next three years [3]. - Recent milestones for the OCU410ST program include Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in May, IND clearance in June, and first patient dosing in July, with enrollment completion expected in Q1 2026 [3]. Group 3: About OCU410ST and Stargardt Disease - OCU410ST utilizes an AAV delivery platform to deliver the RORA gene, representing a modifier gene therapy approach targeting pathways linked to Stargardt disease [4]. - Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration, leading to progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina [5][6].