Opus Genetics announced a strategic partnership with the Global RDH12 Alliance (the Alliance) to advance Opus’ gene therapy program for patients with vision loss due to retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) gene mutations.

The Alliance serves as a collaborative platform uniting advocacy groups dedicated to RDH12-related inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), including: “RDH12 Fund for Sight” in the United States and “Eyes on the Future” in the United Kingdom.

According to a company press release, this collaboration will accelerate development of OPGx-RDH12, Opus’ gene therapy program targeting the RDH12 gene mutation for the potential treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (RDH12-LCA), a rare IRD that causes progressive vision loss and blindness, often beginning in early childhood. Patients with RDH12 mutations often have early visual acuity loss with retinal structural changes by 2 years of age.

Under the agreement, the Alliance will provide up to $1.6 million towards the development of the OPGx-RDH12 program. The partnership also includes a risk-sharing structure and performance-based milestones. Together, the parties will co-develop the OPGx-RDH12 program, including the clinical and regulatory strategy, with the goal of filing an investigational new drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration by late 2025, the company said in the press release.