Eyenovia Resumes Recruitment of Phase III CHAPERONE Study for Progressive Myopia

Rhea-AI Summary

Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN) has resumed patient enrollment for its Phase III CHAPERONE study targeting progressive myopia in children, halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to determine the efficacy of MicroPine, an atropine ophthalmic solution, in reducing myopia progression among over 400 participants aged 3-12. The primary endpoint is a <0.5 D increase in refractive error over 36 months. The company has continued monitoring previously enrolled patients remotely, ensuring steady progress.

Positive

• Resumed patient enrollment for Phase III CHAPERONE study, indicating operational recovery post-COVID-19.
• All previously randomized patients are continuing to progress, reflecting study integrity.
• The study focuses on a significant market need, aiming to treat progressive myopia in children.

Negative

• Enrollment dependent on ongoing improvement of COVID-19 conditions, adding uncertainty.
• Potential delays in trial due to external factors like the pandemic could affect timelines.

NEW YORK, June 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN), a clinical stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of microdose array print (MAP™) therapeutics, today announced that the Company has resumed patient enrollment for its Phase III CHAPERONE study for the treatment of progressive myopia, following a temporary pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We are excited to resume enrollment in our Phase III CHAPERONE study among nearly all of our clinical sites for the treatment of progressive myopia in children.  Despite conditions caused by COVID-19, we continued to follow-up with and monitor previously enrolled CHAPERONE patients via telemedicine and remote monitoring processes.  We are pleased to report that all patients previously randomized to treatment have continued to progress in the study. We are working in close partnership with our investigational sites as we advance to complete trial enrollment, which will depend on the continued improvement of the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Dr. Sean Ianchulev, Eyenovia’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer. " 

The CHAPERONE study is a U.S.-based, multi-center, randomized, double-masked trial that will enroll more than 400 children between 3-12 years of age. The study is investigating the safety and efficacy of MicroPine for the reduction of progressive myopia using Eyenovia’s proprietary atropine topical micro-formulation delivered by the Optejet™ dispenser. Subjects will be randomized to receive treatment with either of two MicroPine concentrations or a placebo. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of eyes with < 0.5 D increase in refractive error from baseline through 36 months.

About Eyenovia
Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN) is a clinical stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of microdose array print (MAP™) therapeutics. Eyenovia’s pipeline is currently focused on the late-stage development of microdosed medications for presbyopia, myopia progression and mydriasis. For more Information please visit www.eyenovia.com.

About MicroPine for Progressive Myopia
MicroPine (atropine ophthalmic solution) is Eyenovia's first-in-class topical treatment for progressive myopia, a back-of-the-eye condition commonly known as nearsightedness. Progressive myopia is estimated to affect close to 5 million children in the United States who suffer from uncontrolled axial elongation of the sclera leading to increasing levels of myopia and in some cases major pathologic changes such as retinal atrophy, macular staphylomas, retinal detachment and visual impairment. MicroPine has been developed for comfort and ease-of-use in children. Microdose administration of MicroPine is anticipated to result in low systemic and ocular drug exposure. A recent therapeutic evidence assessment and review by the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicates Level 1 (highest) evidence of efficacy for the role of low dose atropine for progressive myopia (Ophthalmology 2017;124:1857-1866; Ophthalmology 2016; 123(2) 391:399).

Feasibility Dose-finding Atropine Studies: ATOM 1; ATOM 2; LAMP (Independent Collaborative Group Trials)

About MicroLine for Presbyopia
MicroLine is Eyenovia’s pharmacologic treatment for presbyopia. Presbyopia is the non-preventable, age related hardening of the lens, which causes a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects and is estimated to affect nearly 113 million Americans. Current treatment options are typically device-based, such as reading glasses and contact lenses. Pilocarpine ophthalmic solution is known to constrict the pupil and improve near-distance vision by creating an extended depth of focus through its small aperture effect. Eyenovia believes that its administration of pilocarpine using the company’s high precision microdosing technology may provide a meaningful improvement in near vision while enhancing tolerability and usability.

About MicroStat for Mydriasis
MicroStat is Eyenovia's first-in-class fixed-combination micro-formulation product (tropicamide 1% - phenylephrine 2.5%) candidate for pharmacologic mydriasis (eye dilation), which is targeted to improve the efficiency of the estimated 80 million office-based comprehensive and diabetic eye exams performed every year in the United States, as well as the estimated 4 million pharmacologic mydriasis applications for cataract surgery. Developed for use without anesthetic, we are developing MicroStat to improve the efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologic mydriasis.

About Optejet™ and MicroRx Ocular Therapeutics
Eyenovia's Optejet microdose formulation and delivery platform for ocular therapeutics uses high-precision piezo-print technology to deliver approximately 8 μL of drug, consistent with the capacity of the tear film of the eye. We believe the volume of ophthalmic solution administered with the Optejet is less than 75% of that delivered using conventional eyedroppers, thus reducing overdosing and exposure to drug and preservatives. Eyenovia's patented microfluidic ejection technology is designed for fast and gentle ocular surface delivery, where solution is dispensed to the ocular surface in approximately 80 milliseconds, beating the ocular blink reflex. Successful use of the Optejet has been demonstrated more than 85% of the time after basic training in a variety of clinical settings compared to 40 – 50% with conventional eyedroppers. Additionally, its smart electronics and mobile e-health technology are designed to track and enhance patient compliance.

Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions, including estimated market opportunities in the United States for our product candidates. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors discussed from time to time in documents which we file with the SEC. In addition, such statements could be affected by risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: impacts of and uncertainty related to COVID-19; risks of our clinical trials, including, but not limited to, the costs, design, initiation and enrollment (which could still be adversely impacted by COVID-19 and resulting social distancing), timing, progress and results of such trials; the timing and our ability to submit applications for, obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; fluctuations in our financial results, particularly given market conditions and the potential economic impact of COVID-19; our need to raise additional money to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months as a going concern; the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our supply chain; the potential success of our reprioritized pipeline; any cost savings related to our reprioritized pipeline; our estimates regarding the potential market opportunity for our product candidates; the potential advantages of our product candidates; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our product candidates; our ability to timely develop and implement anticipated manufacturing, commercialization and marketing capabilities and strategies for existing product candidates; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; intellectual property risks; changes in legal, regulatory and legislative environments in the markets in which we operate and the impact of these changes on our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our products; and our competitive position. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and except as may be required under applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Company Contact:
Eyenovia, Inc.
John Gandolfo
Chief Financial Officer
jgandolfo@eyenovia.com

Investor Contact:
The Ruth Group
Tram Bui / Alexander Lobo
Phone: 646-536-7035/7037
tbui@theruthgroup.com / alobo@theruthgroup.com

Media Contact:
The Ruth Group
Kirsten Thomas
Phone: 508-280-6592
kthomas@theruthgroup.com

FAQ

What is the current status of Eyenovia's Phase III CHAPERONE study?

Eyenovia has resumed patient enrollment for its Phase III CHAPERONE study for progressive myopia.

How many children are being enrolled in the CHAPERONE study?

The study will enroll over 400 children aged 3-12 years.

What is MicroPine and what condition does it aim to treat?

MicroPine is an atropine ophthalmic solution developed to reduce progressive myopia in children.

What is the primary endpoint of the CHAPERONE study?

The primary endpoint is the proportion of eyes with less than 0.5 diopter increase in refractive error over 36 months.

What challenges does Eyenovia face in its ongoing studies?

Eyenovia faces challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may affect enrollment and trial timelines.