FDA fast tracks ocular melanoma treatment

Source: AAO, March 2017

A new class of treatment that can selectively destroy cancer cells using a light-activated viral nanoparticle has received FDA fast track designation for the treatment of ocular melanoma.

Aura Biosciences also today announced it has enrolled and dosed the first patient with the light-activated treatment, AU-011, in a phase 1b clinical trial.

“Patients with ocular melanoma currently have few treatment options available that can effectively destroy tumor cells while still preserving vision. Aura’s trial is an important step in understanding the potential of AU-011 as a safe and novel therapeutic option to improve the outlook for these patients,” said Carol Shields, MD, co-director of the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital, where the first patient was dosed.