SpyGlass Pharma released 6-month data from its first-in-human glaucoma treatment trial showing that its breakthrough drug delivery platform, a single-piece, hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens with drug-eluting pads, continues to demonstrate significant intraocular pressure lowering in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The data were presented by Malik Y. Kahook, MD, cofounder, president, and executive chairman of the board at SpyGlass Pharma, at the Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum in San Francisco.

In the trial, 23 patients underwent cataract extraction and were randomized to receive 1 of 3 doses of bimatoprost using the SpyGlass platform. Dr. Kahook reported that after 6 months, mean reduction in intraocular pressure across all groups was 45%, without the need for additional therapy. No significant adverse events were reported, and visual outcomes were similar to those achieved with commercially available intraocular lenses. Once cleared, SpyGlass plans to enroll patients in a US phase 1/2 combined clinical trial later in 2023.

“We’ve known for decades that patient adherence to daily drop regimens is an impediment to treating ophthalmic diseases,” said Dr. Kahook in a news release. “These data give a clear signal that the SpyGlass drug delivery system is a breakthrough platform technology with real potential to disrupt the way our most effective therapies are administered long-term. The SpyGlass drug delivery platform with bimatoprost is designed to enable every cataract surgeon the ability to provide unprecedented, multiyear glaucoma therapy at the time of routine cataract surgery. This is a potential game changer for ophthalmic patients globally. Every cataract surgeon will be able to use their existing intraocular lens implantation technique to both improve vision due to cataracts and deliver multiple years of bimatoprost therapy for patients who also have glaucoma.”