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Phase 2a trial begins for glaucoma drug candidate

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Altheos has dosed the first patient in its phase 2a clinical trial of ATS907, an eye drop intended to reduce elevated IOP in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, according to a company press release.

The investigational candidate therapy is a selective Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, the release said.

"ATS907 was selected for development based on data demonstrating properties that were optimal for ocular administration. The drug shows excellent ocular surface penetration and is rapidly converted into a more active form in the anterior chamber after topical dosing. This prodrug-like activity may enhance its therapeutic index," Barbara Wirostko, MD, chief medical officer of Altheos and a glaucoma specialist, said in the release.

The trial is a randomized, controlled, investigator-masked, dose-ranging study of the treatment's safety and efficacy, according to the release. It will follow a two-stage adaptive design to evaluate different doses in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension over a 28-day period.

Soon after the first stage of the trial ends, Altheos intends to begin a second stage in which ATS907 is compared with latanoprost, the release said.