Neurotech’s Treatment for Macular Telangiectasia Shows Promise in Trial

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has announced positive phase 3 topline results from two trials evaluating its NT-501 eye treatment for patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel).

The results are the first to show preservation of photoreceptors with a novel ophthalmic neuroprotectant therapy, according to the company, announcing that NT-501 reduced the progression of disease by 56.4 percent in the first trial and by 29.2 percent in the second.

Designed to be inserted into the vitreous cavity of the eye, the investigational treatment is a tiny hollow cylindrical membrane that houses human epithelial cells genetically engineered to continuously produce ciliary neurotropic factor, a protein that slows the progression of MacTel.