China Ophthalmology Focus Limited (“COPFL”) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhaoke (Guangzhou) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Limited (“ZKO”), has successfully completed a Phase II trial of Cyclosporine A (CsA) Ophthalmic Gel in China (clinicaltrials.gov registration No.:NCT03676335). Topline data show that the experimental drug has similar or a trend towards better efficacy than that of the marketed CsA Ophthalmic Emulsion.
The recently completed trial is a Phase II, randomised, single-blind, positive controlled, dose-finding study to assess the safety and efficacy of CsA Ophthalmic Gel in subjects with dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca). The objective of the study is to explore and compare the efficacy and safety of CsA in a proprietary ophthalmic gel formulation with CsA Emulsion (formulation currently available on western markets) in the treatment of the above indication using different dosages and frequencies of administration, and to preliminarily determine the optimal conditions for the design of follow-up clinical study.
A total of 240 patients were enrolled in this study from 13 centers in China. The experimental drugs were given to three separate groups of subjects as follows: Treatment group A: CsA ophthalmic gel: 0.3 g: 0.15 mg, once daily; Treatment group B: CsA ophthalmic gel: 0.3 g: 0.15 mg, twice daily, with an interval of 12 hours; Treatment group C: CsA ophthalmic gel: 0.3 g: 0.3 mg, once daily. The positive control group received CsA Emulsion: 0.4 ml: 0.2 mg, twice daily, with an interval of 12 hours.
“Topline data of the current trial showed the new CsA Ophthalmic Gel formulation, (0.3 g: 0.15 mg, once daily) has similar or a trend towards better efficacy than the emulsion formulation currently on the western market,” said Dr. Lit-Fui Lau, President of ZKO. “We believe that CsA Ophthalmic Gel is well positioned to address the unmet medical need in the treatment of patients with dry eye in China where ophthalmic CsA is still unavailable.” “We have spent 10 years in the development of the patent-protected proprietary ophthalmic gel formulation of CsA. The topline data validated our commitment to the development of this innovative product,” said Dr. Benjamin Li, Executive Director of COPFL.
ZKO plans to meet with the Center for Drug Evaluation in China to discuss and agree upon a Phase III protocol of the CsA Ophthalmic Gel trial. The pivotal study is expected to initiate patient recruitment in early 2020.
About Cyclosporine A Ophthalmic Gel
Cyclosporine A is a natural cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant. It acts as a calcineurin inhibitor and suppresses T lymphocytes from releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The Cyclosporine A Ophthalmic Gel is a proprietary product shown to possess superior pharmacokinetics profile than that of the emulsion formulation in preclinical studies. It is under development for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) in China.
About China Ophthalmology Focus Ltd.
COPFL is an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (HKEx: 0950). Its Series A fund raising of USD 50 million in June 2019 was contributed by reputable investors including Coyote Investment Pte. Ltd., Panacea Venture Healthcare Fund I, L.P., Smart Rocket Ltd. and Vertex Profit International Ltd.. COPFL specializes in the development, manufacturing and marketing of ophthalmic drugs. It has built up a state-of-the-art development and production facility in Nansha, Guangzhou through its 100% subsidiary Zhaoke (Guangzhou) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Limited. The facility supports the in-house development and future commercialisation of over 21 proprietary products and difficult to manufacture generics (ranged from pre-clinical to registration stage) for the Chinese and ASEAN markets. Its portfolio is diversified in having both small molecules and biologics, and having both novel and generic medicines, covering different ophthalmic indications from dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy to corneal and inflammatory diseases. It is currently the only modern facility in China that is recognised as being designed and built for ophthalmic drugs according to all applicable standards, namely China, Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), EMEA, Japan and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).