Vitreoretinal Degeneration

MELBOURNE, Australia and PRINCETON, N.J., March 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opthea Limited (ASX:OPT; NASDAQ:OPT; “Opthea”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to treat highly prevalent and progressive retinal diseases, today announced it will host a virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 am ET, featuring presentations from global retina experts: Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS, Sierra Eye Associates and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, Retina Consultants of Texas and Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital Veeral S. Sheth, MD, MBA, FASRS, FACS, University Retina and Macula Associates, University of Illinois at Chicago This event will focus on the potential of sozinibercept to transform patient outcomes by delivering superior vision gains in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), with KOL perspectives on (1) the wet AMD treatment landscape and unmet medical need addressed by sozinibercept’s novel mechanism of action, (2) the Phase 2b data demonstrating superiority in combination with standard-of-care therapy, and (3) the company's two ongoing global Phase 3 registrational trials (COAST and ShORe) evaluating sozinibercept in combination with standard-of-care VEGF-A inhibitors. Additionally, Opthea will provide a strategic outlook. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations. To register for this live webcast, click here. A replay of the webcast will be made available on the Company’s website. About Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS is dedicated to advancing innovative treatment options for patients suffering from retinal diseases. Over a decade ago, he established the clinical research department at Sierra Eye Associates, which has since evolved into one of the foremost clinical research sites nationwide. With a wealth of experience, he has assumed the role of principal investigator for more than 120 clinical trials, consistently ranking as a top enroller in the nation across multiple Phase 1-3 trials. Notably, Dr. Khanani recently chaired the Phase 3 GATHER2 steering committee for IZERVAY™, playing a pivotal role in IZERVAY's approval for geographic atrophy. His contributions extend to over 100 authored or contributed scientific publications in prominent ophthalmology journals. Dr. Khanani actively participates as a member of national and international clinical trial steering committees, in addition to serving on scientific advisory boards. Dr. Khanani also serves as the lead principal investigator for multiple national and global clinical trials. He is often sought after as a guest speaker and lecturer at prestigious national and international gatherings. In pursuit of advancements in vitreoretinal care, Dr. Khanani initiated the Clinical Trials at the Summit (CTS) meeting, aiming to foster dialogue on clinical trial execution, design, and data analysis. Dr. Khanani holds elected membership in esteemed organizations such as the Macula Society and Retina Society, in addition to being the recipient of numerous distinguished awards. In 2019, he was honored with the Nevada Business Magazine Healthcare Heroes Physician of the Year award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Khanani has been bestowed with the Senior Honor Award from the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) and was also awarded the prestigious ASRS Presidents’ Young Investigator Award in 2021. Furthermore, in 2023, he was invited to deliver the esteemed Ernst Bodenheimer Memorial Lecture at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. In February 2024, Dr. Khanani joined Opthea as its Chief Medical Advisor, while retaining his practice, sponsorship, and research activities. Prior to his new role at Opthea, Dr. Khanani served as a principal investigator for Opthea’s ShORe Phase 3 pivotal trial. About Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD is a board-certified Medical and Surgical Retina Specialist and ophthalmologist with Retina Consultants of Texas (RCTX). Leading a top international research facility for vitreoretinal diseases, Dr. Wykoff serves as Director of Research at RCTX and the Greater Houston Retina Research Foundation (GHRRF), and Chairman of the Research and Clinical Trials Subcommittee, Retina Consultants of America. In addition, he serves as the elected Deputy Chair of Ophthalmology for the Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Wykoff has been awarded the American Academy of Ophthalmology Secretariat and Achievement Awards as well as the American Society of Retina Specialists Senior Honor and Young Investigator Awards. Dr. Wykoff serves as the Chief Investigator for Opthea’s COAST Phase 3 pivotal trial and is on Opthea’s Clinical Advisory Board. About Veeral S. Sheth, MD, MBA, FASRS, FACS Veeral Sheth, MD, MBA, FACS, is a native Chicagoan that specializes in diseases of the retina and vitreous. He also is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Sheth completed his ophthalmology residency at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary where he served as Chief Resident. After residency, Dr. Sheth completed his fellowship at the University of Chicago in Retinal Surgery. He completed his MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Sheth is a Partner at University Retina and Macula Associates. He is Director of Clinical Trials at one of the busiest clinical trial sites in the country. He has been principal investigator for over 60 clinical trials and has research interests in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusion, as well as surgical pathology. He is involved in clinical trials developing new drugs, delivery devices, and gene therapy. Dr. Sheth is an active member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, Retina Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the European Society of Retina Specialists. He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels Chicago. Dr. Sheth is fluent in English, Spanish, and Gujarati. Dr. Sheth is a principal investigator for Opthea’s ShORe Phase 3 pivotal trial. About Sozinibercept Sozinibercept (OPT-302) is a soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) expressed as an immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) Fc-fusion protein. It binds and neutralizes the activity of VEGF-C and VEGF-D on their endogenous receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Research indicates that targeted inhibition of VEGF-C and VEGF-D can prevent blood vessel growth and vascular leakage, which contribute to the pathophysiology of retinal diseases including wet AMD. Sozinibercept has received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of wet AMD. Positive results from the Phase 2b study of sozinibercept, administered in combination with standard of care, LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab), for the treatment of wet AMD, published in Ophthalmology, met the pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint of a statistically superior gain in visual acuity at 24 weeks, compared to ranibizumab alone. In addition, secondary outcomes were positive for the combination therapy with sozinibercept, including more participants with gains in vision of 10 or more letters and improved anatomy, with a reduction in swelling and vascular leakage, with a favorable safety profile. About Opthea Opthea (ASX:OPT; NASDAQ:OPT) is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to address the unmet need in the treatment of highly prevalent and progressive retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Opthea’s lead product candidate, sozinibercept, is being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials (COAST, NCT04757636, and ShORe, NCT04757610,) for use in combination with standard-of-care anti-VEGF-A monotherapies to improve overall efficacy and deliver superior vision gains compared to the standard-of-care anti-VEGF-A agents. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on X and LinkedIn. IZERVAY™ is a registered trademark of Astellas Pharma Inc. LUCENTIS® is a registered trademark of Genentech USA, Inc. A member of the Roche Group. Authorized for release to ASX by Fred Guerard, CEO Investor Enquiries PJ Kelleher LifeSci Advisors Email: pkelleher@lifesciadvisors.com Phone: 617-430-7579 Media Silvana Guerci-Lena NorthStream Global Partners Email: silvana@nsgpllc.com Join our email database to receive program updates: Tel: +61 (0) 3 9826 0399 Email: info@opthea.com Source: Opthea Limited

WALTHAM, Mass., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) today announced that leading retina specialist Philip Ferrone, M.D., will join the company as Chief Medical Retina Advisor, effective March 18. “Phil is globally renowned for his leadership in retina, including as a past president of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), so we are delighted to welcome him to the Apellis team,” said Caroline Baumal, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Apellis. “Phil has extensive expertise in retina research and patient care, which will be invaluable as we continue to bring SYFOVRE to patients with GA and advance our retina pipeline.” “It is an honor to join Apellis in its mission to deliver life-changing treatments for patients living with serious diseases,” said Dr. Ferrone. “I was an early adopter of SYFOVRE and have realized first-hand how impactful this treatment is for GA patients. I look forward to working closely with Caroline and this tremendously talented team to advance care for patients with this devastating disease.” Dr. Ferrone will continue to serve as the director of clinical research at Vitreoretinal Consultants in New York. He is a past president of the ASRS and has been on its board of directors for 18 years. He is also a past president of The Foundation of the ASRS, which aims to raise patient awareness and education about retina health. Dr. Ferrone has served as principal investigator in over 60 clinical trials investigating new treatments for retinal diseases, authored over 75 peer-reviewed medical manuscripts, six book chapters, and has given over 160 scientific presentations at national and international ophthalmology medical meetings. Dr. Ferrone earned his undergraduate degree from Union College and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal disease and surgery at Associated Retinal Consultants in Royal Oak, MI and was Chief Resident and on faculty at the Duke University Eye Center. About SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection) SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection) is the first-ever approved therapy for geographic atrophy (GA). By targeting C3, SYFOVRE is designed to provide comprehensive control of the complement cascade, part of the body’s immune system. SYFOVRE is approved in the United States for the treatment of GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration. U.S. Important Safety Information for SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection) CONTRAINDICATIONS SYFOVRE is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections, and in patients with active intraocular inflammation WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments Intravitreal injections, including those with SYFOVRE, may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering SYFOVRE to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay and should be managed appropriately. Retinal Vasculitis and/or Retinal Vascular Occlusion Retinal vasculitis and/or retinal vascular occlusion, typically in the presence of intraocular inflammation, have been reported with the use of SYFOVRE. Cases may occur with the first dose of SYFOVRE and may result in severe vision loss. Discontinue treatment with SYFOVRE in patients who develop these events. Patients should be instructed to report any change in vision without delay. Neovascular AMD In clinical trials, use of SYFOVRE was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (12% when administered monthly, 7% when administered every other month and 3% in the control group) by Month 24. Patients receiving SYFOVRE should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD. In case anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) is required, it should be given separately from SYFOVRE administration. Intraocular Inflammation In clinical trials, use of SYFOVRE was associated with episodes of intraocular inflammation including: vitritis, vitreal cells, iridocyclitis, uveitis, anterior chamber cells, iritis, and anterior chamber flare. After inflammation resolves, patients may resume treatment with SYFOVRE. Increased Intraocular Pressure Acute increase in IOP may occur within minutes of any intravitreal injection, including with SYFOVRE. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are ocular discomfort, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, vitreous floaters, conjunctival hemorrhage. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for more information. About Apellis Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across serious retinal, rare, and neurological diseases. For more information, please visit or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Apellis Forward-Looking Statement Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Apellis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2024 and the risks described in other filings that Apellis may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Apellis specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Media Contact: Lissa Pavluk media@apellis.com 617.977.6764 Investor Contact: Meredith Kaya meredith.kaya@apellis.com 617.599.8178

STUART, Fla., Jan. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc. announces that it has expanded its drug development pipeline, adding programs in diabetic macular edema and myopia. The company has completed initial pre-clinical studies showing potential promise for Stuart's PolyColTM collagen mimetic peptide platform as a therapeutic approach for these indications. Pre-clinical studies show that PolyCol collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) can reverse the damage to scleral collagen caused by excess matrix metalloproteinase that is a hallmark of myopia progression. In primate studies, CMPs administered via drop formulation were found to localize to the basement membranes of choroidal vasculature and in the central retinal artery. These results, combined with previously demonstrated CMP repair of membranes, suggests a new mechanism for treating diabetic macular edema. Both of these programs expand Stuart's development of CMPs, and join other programs in ocular surface disease, including dry eye, visual field loss associated with glaucoma and dry age-related macular degeneration. Stuart Therapeutics Announces Pipeline Expansion and Addition of New Clinical Advisors The company also is pleased to announce important new additions to its Scientific Advisory Board. Sheri Rowen, MD, a prominent ophthalmologist with expertise in both ocular surface diseases and refractive indications, joins the Stuart Therapeutics team to provide insights and guidance on these areas of the company's development. Dr. Rowen is a widely recognized key opinion leader and is a practicing surgeon in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Rowen has worked as a researcher, pioneering new treatments and techniques for ocular surgery, and is a Principal Investigator for numerous FDA therapeutics and device trials. Dr. Rowen is a Diplomat and Fellow of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and is a Vice-President of the International Association of Women Eye Surgeons. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed her surgical internship and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital including a two-year vitreoretinal research fellowship at JHU's Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Charles Wykoff, MD also joins the Stuart Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board as an advisor in retinal indications. Dr. Wykoff is a board-certified Medical and Surgical Retina Specialist and ophthalmologist with Retina Consultants of Texas (RCTX). Leading a top international research facility for vitreoretinal diseases, Dr. Wykoff serves as Director of Research at RCTX and the Greater Houston Retina Research Foundation (GHRRF), and Chairman of the Research and Clinical Trials Subcommittee, Retina Consultants of America. In addition, he serves as the elected Deputy Chair of Ophthalmology for the Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Wykoff has been awarded the American Academy of Ophthalmology Secretariat and Achievement Awards as well as the American Society of Retina Specialists Senior Honor and Young Investigator Awards. Dr. Wykoff earned a B.S. degree in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a PhD in Philosophy from Oxford University, and an MD from Harvard Medical School. He completed his internship at Brigham and Women's Hospital at the Harvard Medical School, and his residency and fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. "Stuart Therapeutics is proud to announce these additions to our Scientific Advisory Board. Both Dr. Rowen and Dr. Wykoff represent important leaders in their respective specialty areas of ophthalmology and bring experience and skills that will be critical as the company expands its pipeline into new therapeutic indications," said Eric Schlumpf, President & CEO of Stuart Therapeutics. "They will enhance our already strong group of ophthalmology expert collaborators and advisors, and we look forward to their contributions to our continued success in our development programs." About Stuart Therapeutics, Inc. Stuart Therapeutics, founded in 2017 and based in Stuart, Florida, is the leader in the development of ECM targeting therapeutics for disease treatment. Its platform technology, PolyCol™, is portfolio of synthesized collagen mimetic peptides designed to specifically bind to and repair disease damaged helical collagen structures. This repair results in a restoration of homeostatic cell signaling, with positive effects on cell growth and proliferation and reduction in inflammation. These effects occur rapidly in treated tissues, and the company's research has shown that PolyColTM collagen mimetic peptides have beneficial effects on epithelial and neuronal tissues. Stuart Therapeutics has extensive research results in a variety of anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic disease indications. For more information, visit . CONTACT: Eric Schlumpf, President & CEO eric@stuarttherapeutics.com