Ocugen Announces Rare Pediatric Disease Designation Granted for OCU410ST—Modifier Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Stargardt Disease

Core Insights - Ocugen, Inc. has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the U.S. FDA for OCU410ST, aimed at treating ABCA4-associated retinopathies, including Stargardt disease [1][2] - The designation highlights the urgent need for therapeutic options for Stargardt patients, as there are currently no FDA-approved treatments available [2] - Approximately 100,000 individuals in the U.S. and Europe are affected by Stargardt disease, which primarily impacts children [2] Regulatory and Developmental Aspects - If the Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program is reauthorized, Ocugen may receive a PRV, which can be sold for about $100 million or used for expedited review of another product [3] - The company plans to initiate a Phase 2/3 pivotal confirmatory trial for OCU410ST in the coming weeks, with a target for Biologics License Application (BLA) filing in 2027 [4] Product and Technology Overview - OCU410ST employs an AAV delivery platform to deliver the RORA gene, representing a modifier gene therapy approach that addresses multiple pathophysiological pathways linked to Stargardt disease [5] - Stargardt disease is characterized by retinal degeneration and vision loss, primarily affecting the macula, leading to decreased central vision while some peripheral vision may be preserved [6][7] Company Background - Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology leader focused on gene therapies for blindness diseases, with a gene-agnostic approach that targets complex diseases caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks [8]