SpyGlass Pharma Reveals 18-Month Data on Drug Delivery Platform for Cataract Surgery in Glaucoma Patients

SpyGlass Pharma™, a private ophthalmic biotechnology firm based in Aliso Viejo, California, has announced 18-month follow-up results from its initial human study. This study involved 23 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were implanted with the SpyGlass Intraocular Lens (IOL) Drug Delivery Platform during their cataract surgery. The findings were shared at the Eyecelerator Ophthalmic Innovation Conference, which took place before the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

The data revealed a significant and sustained decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) across all three dosage levels tested. On average, IOP was reduced by 43.7% from the baseline after 18 months. Importantly, all patients in the study were able to discontinue their use of topical IOP-lowering medications. Furthermore, every patient achieved an IOP reduction greater than 20% from their baseline, and 96% maintained an IOP of 18 mmHg or lower throughout the 18-month period. The SpyGlass platform was well-tolerated, with no adverse events related to the product reported.

Dr. Malik Kahook, co-founder of SpyGlass Pharma™, highlighted the significance of these results for both ophthalmic surgeons and patients with glaucoma, emphasizing the unmet need for long-term drug delivery solutions for chronic eye conditions. He noted that the SpyGlass platform could be revolutionary for glaucoma patients and cataract surgeons alike.

Patrick Mooney, CEO of SpyGlass Pharma™, remarked on the potential of SpyGlass technology to enhance care for glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery. He pointed out that approximately one million cataract surgeries are performed annually in the United States on patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Mooney also noted that the SpyGlass technology can be implanted using standard surgical techniques that cataract surgeons are already familiar with, potentially leading to higher adoption rates compared to existing glaucoma devices.

The SpyGlass Drug Delivery Platform, which utilizes bimatoprost, is engineered to deliver the medication to targeted tissues for up to three years. Patients involved in the initial study will continue to be monitored, and the company plans to release longer-term data in the future. Moreover, SpyGlass Pharma is set to complete enrollment for a Phase I/II study in the United States, aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of the platform in a larger group of patients. The company is committed to working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to move towards commercial approval.

SpyGlass Pharma was founded by Dr. Malik Y. Kahook, M.D., and Glenn Sussman. The company focuses on creating the first IOL-mounted, controlled-release drug delivery platform capable of providing multiple years of therapy. This innovative technology originated from the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and was further developed after securing Series A funding.

In summary, the 18-month follow-up data from SpyGlass Pharma’s first-in-human study demonstrates the potential of the SpyGlass Intraocular Lens Drug Delivery Platform to significantly reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for these conditions.