Small Molecule Programs
Oyster Point has pioneered the administration of selective cholinergic agonist nasal sprays to activate the parasympathetic pathway and stimulate natural tear production, as shown in preclinical and clinical studies.
Oyster Point’s first commercial product, which leverages our nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) domain expertise, was approved in 2021, and we are exploring other potential applications for OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray, including neurotrophic keratopathy, dry eye associated with contact lens intolerance, and ocular surface preparation for refractive surgeries.
Clinical and development stage programs for OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray have not been approved for use. Further, the safety and efficacy of OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray have not been established in our clinical and development stage programs.
Enriched Tear Film (ETF™) Gene Therapy
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are nonreplicating DNA delivery vehicles that are currently not known to cause disease.
OC-101 (AAV-NGF)
OC-101 (AAV-NGF) is Oyster Point’s investigational gene therapy in development as part of Oyster Point’s proprietary development approach of leveraging ETF™ Gene Therapy to treat select ocular surface diseases. OC-101 is an AAV containing the gene that encodes nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a naturally occurring protein secreted by cells on the surface of the cornea and involved in the differentiation and maintenance of neurons that has been shown to heal the corneal epithelium and improve corneal sensitivity.1 Once administered to the lacrimal gland, OC-101 (AAV-NGF) has been shown in preclinical studies to harness the body’s protein-producing machinery to produce NGF, which was then secreted into the tear film and onto the ocular surface.
OC-101 (AAV-NGF) is an investigational gene therapy that has not been tested in humans and has not been approved for any use in any country. The safety and efficacy of OC-101 (AAV-NGF) has not been established.
OC-103 (AAV-DAO)
OC-103 (AAV-DAO) is an AAV containing the gene that encodes human diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO is a naturally occurring human enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine, a compound that has been shown to induce various physiological and immunological changes through histamine receptor stimulation on the ocular surface2,3. By administering OC-103 (AAV-DAO) into the lacrimal gland, our goal is to harness the body’s protein-producing machinery to produce DAO, which would then secrete this naturally present enzyme into the tear film and onto the ocular surface.
OC-101, OC-103 (AAV-DAO) are investigational gene therapies that have not been tested in humans and has not been approved for any use in any country.