UK Regulator MHRA grants Nanomerics Clinical Trials Authorisation Notice for upcoming OC134 Clinical Trial

UCLB spinout Nanomerics Ltd, a private speciality pharmaceutical company, has received clinical trials authorisation for its first in human OC134 trial from the Medicinal and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK regulator. 

OC134 is an eye drop medicine candidate indicated for the topical treatment of, e.g., moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis, a condition for which suitable non-steroidal topical ocular treatment does not currently exist. OC134 is powered by Nanomerics’ Molecular Envelope Technology (MET), a non-irritant ocular penetration enhancer. The trial of OC134 in human subjects may now proceed. 

UCLB Senior Business Manager Biopharm Harriet Story said: “This is an exciting development for Nanomerics and testament to the team’s excellence. I’m delighted to see technology developed in the lab of Professor Ijeoma F. Uchegbu and Professor Andreas G. Schätzlein at the UCL School of Pharmacy enter a Phase I trial. UCLB look forward to hearing Nanomerics’ progress developing this much needed treatment for acute severe conjunctivitis, as well as the many other innovative medicines in their pipeline.”

Professor Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, Nanomerics‘ Chief Scientific Officer, of Nanomerics commented: “This is a remarkable achievement for our company and is testament to the dedication and scientific excellence of the entire Nanomerics‘ team involved in the study. We are now able to advance our Molecular Envelope Technology to clinical stage and to complete the first of many clinical studies powered by Nanomerics‘ MET, our non-irritant ocular penetration enhancer.” 

Nanomerics’ MET is being used to formulate other eye drops such as: OC137, indicated for the treatment of retinal diseases and OC135, indicated for the treatment of glaucoma. 

Nanomerics was founded to commercialise its biocompatible polymer technologies for drug delivery and other applications. Its proprietary technology is based on know-how and scientific leadership in polymer nanotechnology.  

The founding scientists, Professor Ijeoma F. Uchegbu and Professor Andreas G. Schätzlein developed the technology at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow and, latterly at the UCL School of Pharmacy. Pharmaceutical product candidates in development include the eye drops: OC134 for the treatment of moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis and OC137 for the treatment of retinal diseases.