Orsight Pharma: Pioneering Vision Preservation in nAMD
Innovative Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)
Overview
Orsight Pharma is at the forefront of developing an innovative drug for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD or wet AMD), an advanced form of eye disease that is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in developed countries. Our mission is to improve nAMD patients’ anatomical and visual outcome as well as their quality of life.
The Problem
nAMD is marked by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula (Macular Neovascularization, MNV), causing bleeding or fluid leakage, retina tissue destruction and scarring. This might lead to severe loss of central vision. Current treatments, primarily focusing on the blockage of the VEGF signaling pathway, are insufficient. Between 30-50% of nAMD patients show limited or no response to anti-VEGF therapies, which can manifest as persistent retinal fluids or the development of macular hemorrhage despite treatment. Such incomplete treatment response can adversely affect the visual outcome and might result in vision loss despite treatment.
Our Solution
Orsight Pharma introduces a breakthrough small molecule treatment designed to preserve vision and prevent blindness through a novel VEGF-independent mechanism. This drug offers a ray of hope, especially for those who have not seen satisfactory results with existing treatments. Our product not only stands to benefit patients unresponsive to current therapies but also has the potential to enhance visual outcomes when used in combination with them.
Impact
• Targeting Unmet Needs: Addresses the significant portion of nAMD patients inadequately served by current therapies.
• Innovative Approach: Introduces a new mechanism of action, expanding the horizons of nAMD treatment.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Aims to significantly improve vision and daily living for patients affected by nAMD.
Vision for the Future
Orsight Pharma is committed to redefining the treatment landscape for nAMD. By focusing on innovation and patient-centric solutions, we are not just treating an eye condition – we are helping people regain their vision and independence.
The Market
AMD affected about 196 million people worldwide in 2020. This number is projected to increase to 288 million individuals by 2040. nAMD is the major cause of blindness in AMD patients, and it develops in approximately 15% of eyes affected by AMD. The total AMD market was estimated to be $7.4 billion in 2021 across the seven major markets (7MM), with the US accounting for 51.7% of the market. Drug sales in the AMD pharmacotherapy market are expected to grow by a significant margin between 2021 and 2031, with an overall compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% over the forecast period. The five major European markets (5EU) accounted for 40.8% of the global AMD market with an estimated value of $3.0 billion, and Japan’s AMD market was estimated to be $550.8 million in 2021, accounting for 7.5% of the market (Source: GlobalData).
The Team
Prof. Ofra Benny, PhD, CSO and Co-Founder is a Full Professor at the Hebrew University and the Head of The Laboratory for Nanomedicine and Cancer Research at the School of Pharmacy and Faculty of Medicine, a position she has held since 2013. Ofra earned her PhD in Biotechnology Engineering from the Technion – IIT and completed her postdoctoral research in the leading lab of the late Prof. Judah Folkman at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (MA, USA), specializing in Angiogenesis research. Her multidisciplinary lab is dedicated to developing novel bioengineering tools for drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as creating innovative anti-cancer and ophthalmic drugs. Her research has led to numerous publications, including in Nature Biotechnology and Science Translational Medicine. She has received multiple competitive grants and awards, notably the prestigious Horizon 2020 ERC grant from the European Research Council. Prof. Benny is a founder and serves as CSO/CTO in biomed startups in Israel, and she is actively involved in many projects in translational medicine.
Prof. Itay Chowers, MD, CMO and Co-Founder is the Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Hadassah – Hebrew University Medical Center, and the Jonas Friedenwald Chair in Ophthalmological Research. He is a clinician-researcher specializing in retinal diseases, with over 20 years of experience in translational and clinical research focusing on the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal and macular degenerations and retinal vascular diseases.
Dr. Marianna Truman, PhD, CTO and Co-Founder is an experienced project manager and expert in molecular and cell biology, toxicology, regenerative medicine and applied research. Marianna has over 18 years of extensive hands-on and management experience in both academic research and industrial R&D. Marianna earned her PhD in Biotechnology Engineering from the Technion – IIT and conducted her postdoc at the US National Toxicology Program Laboratory (NIH/NIEHS, NC, USA). Marianna is an initiator of complex multinational collaborations and has a proven track record of the entire process of applying for, winning, and managing grant and federal contract funds from start to finish. She also serves as a Lecturer in Toxicology at the Technion – IIT since 2020, and has presented at conferences, workshops, and congresses worldwide, including as an invited speaker.
Yohan Hazot, MSc, Head of Drug Development is a pharmaceutical expert and the founder of Pharwise Consulting, where he provides scientific, technical, and regulatory guidance in drug development. With a background in biochemistry and biotechnology from the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon, France, Mr. Hazot has served as Vice President of External Innovation at VYNE Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYNE) and Chief Technology Officer at Foamix Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: FOMX). Additionally, he is the inventor of multiple patents in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry.
Dr. Avner Ingerman, MD, MSc, Consultant brings over 25 years of clinical Ophthalmology and industry experience, in drug and device development. His areas of expertise include regulatory strategy development, clinical program design and clinical operations, medical monitoring, scientific advisory boards, clinician community interactions and assessment of opportunities in Ophthalmology. He has a proven track record of drug development from phase I-IV as well as regulatory experience with EU, FDA, and Japan. Dr. Ingerman received his MD and MSc from Tel-Aviv University and completed Ophthalmology residency at Rabin MC in Israel. He was the clinical lead for development programs at Johnson and Johnson, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Achillion Pharmaceuticals among others, and served as an Ophthalmology development consultant to many companies. He currently serves as CMO of Vanotech Ltd., overseeing clinical development in the US.
Contact Info
Marianna Truman, PhD, CTO | LinkedIn
Tel (IL): +972 (54) 637-8070
Tel (USA): +1 (949) 688-0522
Email: Marianna@orsight-pharma.com