Ocugen Inc. (OCGN) stock prices were down by 2.03% as of the market closing on October 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share down to USD$9.15. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock soar by 3.28%, bringing it down to USD$9.45.
OCU410 Preclinical Data
October 19th, 2021 saw OCGN stock announce the presentation of pre-clinical data for its second modifier gene therapy candidate, OCU410. The company’s head of Research and Development will present the data about how OCU410 could potentially be an effective treatment for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD). The data will be presented at the 2nd Annual Dry AMD Therapeutic Development conference. It will demonstrate how the use of a specific nuclear hormone receptor called RORA has the unique potential to treat people with Dry AMD.
Scope of Dry AMD
Dry AMD comprises 85% to 90% of all cases of age-related macular degeneration, which is estimated to affect nearly 196 million people around the world. RORA plays a central role in many physiological activities, including, but not limited to, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, the reduction of inflammation, and obesity. The treatment also has the potential to facilitate the regulation of Th17 cells, which are associated with a myriad of other immune-mediated diseases.
OCGN Stock’s OCU410
OCU410 is the second drug candidate that emerged from OCGN stock’s Modifier Gene Therapy Platform. It is expected to commence clinical trials in 2022. The company recently announced a partnership with CanSinoBIO for the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) development and manufacture of clinical supplies of OCU410 to advance the program.
Modifier Gene Therapy
Modifier Gene Therapy is designed to be different from traditional gene augmentation. While traditional gene augmentation replaces a defective gene, modifier genes serve to regulate cellular and genetic activities. As such, RORA, a nuclear hormone receptor, functions akin to how a conductor directs an orchestra. RORA has exhibited promising potential in the treatment of the most prevalent, chronic form of age-related macular degeneration, Dry AMD.
Future Outlook for OCGN Stock
OCGN stock is poised to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to it as a result of the successful development of its OCU410 treatment. The company is keen to maintain its trajectory of success in a bid to usher in unprecedented growth. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will be able to effectively leverage the resources at their disposal. This is hoped to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value over the long term.
