Opthea develops OPT‑302, a biologic that selectively binds VEGF‑C and VEGF‑D to block VEGFR‑3 activation. By targeting this pathway, the therapy aims to reduce retinal vascular leakage in wet age‑related macular degeneration and curb pathological lymphatic remodeling in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, complementing existing anti‑VEGF‑A treatments.
Funding
$113.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Patients with vision‑threatening eye diseases such as wet age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) and individuals with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) have limited therapeutic options because existing treatments do not address the VEGF‑C/D signaling pathway that drives disease progression.
Solution
Opthea is developing OPT‑302, a biologic agent that selectively binds and neutralises VEGF‑C and VEGF‑D before they can activate the VEGFR‑3 receptor. By inhibiting this “lock‑and‑key” interaction, OPT‑302 aims to reduce abnormal vascular leakage in the retina for wet AMD and to dampen pathological lymphatic remodeling in the lungs of LAM patients. The approach complements existing anti‑VEGF‑A therapies, offering a broader anti‑angiogenic strategy that can be administered alongside standard of care. Clinical development focuses on demonstrating safety, efficacy, and the ability to stabilize or improve visual function and lung function respectively.
Target Audience
Primary customers are ophthalmologists and retinal specialists treating wet AMD, and pulmonologists and rare‑disease centers managing patients with LAM.
Features
- High‑affinity VEGF‑C/D binding protein designed to sequester both ligands and prevent VEGFR‑3 activation
- Dual‑indication platform targeting ocular neovascular disease and pulmonary lymphatic pathology
- Compatibility with current anti‑VEGF‑A intravitreal injections, enabling combination regimens for wet AMD
- Engineered for sub‑retinal or intravitreal delivery with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile
- Preclinical data showing reduction of vascular leakage and lymphatic hyper‑permeability