Clearside Biomedical achieves success in Phase 2b study for new AMD drug

Clearside Biomedical recently presented impressive results from the ODYSSEY Phase 2b study for their drug CLS-AX, aimed at treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the study, the injectable solution of the drug met both primary and secondary endpoints. Participants who received CLS-AX suprachoroidally demonstrated stable outcomes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as ocular anatomy, compared to those treated with Aflibercept. Notably, this stability lasted up to six months post-treatment. Another milestone was the well-tolerated safety profile of CLS-AX, observed up to the 36th week and accompanied by a mandatory re-dosing at the 24th week. The stability in BCVA and mid-field retinal thickness from baseline to the 36th week underscores the drug's efficacy. Victor Chong, Chief Medical Officer at Clearside, emphasized the value of the results for clinical development: 'CLS-AX demonstrates prolonged efficacy and stable visual and anatomical metrics in a challenging patient population. These initial results provide valuable data to optimize our planned Phase 3 program.' Also noteworthy is the reduction in injection frequency by approximately 84% compared to the average monthly injections before the study. Furthermore, no serious treatment-related adverse effects were reported.