Bayer Subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics Licenses iPSC-Derived Candidate OpCT-001 for Inherited Retinal Diseases

• The IND application for the candidate drug OpCT-001 is planned to be submitted in 2024.
  
  

• BlueRock, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, and Opsis Therapeutics Announce First iPSC Candidate Therapy License from 2021 Strategic Collaboration
  
  

• Primary photoreceptor diseases affect the structure and function of retinal photoreceptor cells, leading to irreversible vision loss in children and adults.
  

Recently, BlueRock Therapeutics LP, a clinical-stage cell therapy subsidiary independently operated under Bayer AG, announced that it has exercised its option to obtain an exclusive license for OpCT-001. OpCT-001 is an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapy candidate from FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics and Opsis Therapeutics, intended for the treatment of primary photoreceptor diseases. In 2021, BlueRock, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, and Opsis Therapeutics established a strategic R&D collaboration, with OpCT-001 being the leading cell therapy candidate under development within this partnership framework. According to the agreement terms, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics and Opsis Therapeutics will receive undisclosed licensing fees and are eligible for payments upon achieving developmental and commercial milestones.

Primary photoreceptor diseases are a subgroup of inherited retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and cone dystrophy. These conditions affect the structure and function of retinal photoreceptor cells, leading to irreversible vision loss in both children and adults. Currently, there are no treatment options available for this patient population. OpCT-001 aims to restore vision loss caused by these diseases by replacing degenerated tissue in the retina with functional cells.

Editor: Muyan

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