EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Wields Latest Technology to Advance Ophthalmic Treatments

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Written By Joel Gbolade

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYPT) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. 

Established in 1987 as pSivida Corp., the company rebranded as EyePoint Pharmaceuticals in 2018 following its acquisition of Icon Bioscience Inc. 

EyePoint specializes in developing ophthalmic treatments for serious eye disorders, leveraging its proprietary Durasert E technology. 

This technology enables the direct delivery of drugs to the eye through in-office intravitreal (IVT) injections, offering sustained release and maximizing drug efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Read More: EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Wields Latest Technology to Advance Ophthalmic Treatments

Pinnacle of Modern Health Tech: Durasert E 

EyePoint’s Durasert E technology is a cornerstone of its value proposition. This innovative drug delivery system utilizes a bioerodible matrix to provide continuous release of drugs over an extended period. 

Credits: DepositPhotos

By administering drugs via IVT injection, Durasert E ensures targeted delivery to the eye, eliminating the need for surgical extraction post-treatment.

Importantly, the customizable delivery time allows for personalized treatment plans, ranging from one week to several months.

This technology represents a significant advancement in ophthalmic drug delivery, offering improved efficacy, reduced injection frequency, and personalized treatment options.

EyePoint’s Pipeline Overview 

EyePoint’s pipeline comprises three main programs, each addressing specific ophthalmic needs utilizing the Durasert E technology:

EYP-1901 (Vorolanib): Vorolanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, targets abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage observed in wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD), Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). 

Phase 2 clinical trials for wet AMD have demonstrated positive topline results, with Phase 3 trials expected in the second half of 2024. Additionally, Phase 2 trials for NPDR are underway, with data anticipated in Q2 2024, while Phase 2 trials for DME are ongoing, with results expected in Q1 2025.

EYP-2301 (Razuprotafib): Razuprotafib targets the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway, with topline results expected in the second half of 2024.

Complement Inhibition: EyePoint is also exploring complement inhibition for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Phase 1 clinical trials have shown promising results, with further development expected in the future.

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EYP-1901 Emerges as a Contender in Wet AMD Treatment

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: EYPT) recently unveiled positive Phase 2 clinical trial results for EYP-1901 (Vorolanib) in treating wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). 

Administered using the innovative Durasert E drug delivery technology, EYP-1901 demonstrated efficacy comparable to Regeneron’s aflibercept (Eylea), the current standard treatment.

The trial indicated that EYP-1901 could offer cost and dosing advantages over Eylea, potentially becoming a compelling option for wet AMD patients. 

The market responded favorably to this development, with EYPT shares surging approximately 261%.

Furthermore, EYP-1901 exhibited no significant adverse effects during the trial. The positive outcome paves the way for smaller Phase 3 trials to validate the drug’s effectiveness against aflibercept.

Moreover, upcoming Phase 2 results for another indication, Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), expected in Q2 2024, could serve as a catalyst for further share price movement.

EYP-2301: Exploring Razuprotafib

EyePoint’s EYP-2301 program focuses on razuprotafib, a TIE-2 agonist designed to regulate blood vessel stability and inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in serious retinal diseases. 

While promising, razuprotafib remains in the preclinical trial phase, with toxicology and pharmacokinetics data expected in 2024. 

While this program holds potential, it is not currently considered a primary value driver for EyePoint.

Targeting Geographic Atrophy

EyePoint’s Complement Inhibition research program aims to address Geographic Atrophy (GA), an advanced form of AMD, by enhancing the ability of antibodies to clear microbes and damaged cells.

Successful research in this area could potentially prevent vision loss for some patients. However, the program is still in the discovery phase, with the possibility of a product candidate emerging in 2024.

Valuation Analysis

Despite its promising pipeline, EyePoint’s valuation appears stretched.

Credits: DepositPhotos

With projected revenues of $44.1 million for 2024, the company’s implied price-to-sales (P/S) multiple stands at approximately 30.2, significantly higher than the sector’s median of 4.0. 

Additionally, EyePoint holds approximately $136.0 million in cash and $6.2 million in total debt. 

However, with a quarterly cash burn of $16.9 million, the company’s cash runway of approximately 2.0 years raises concerns, especially in the absence of significant cash inflows in the near term.

A “Hold” Recommendation

While EyePoint shows promise in advancing eye care research, its stretched valuation and cash runway considerations warrant a cautious approach. 

Despite optimism surrounding its pipeline, a “buy” rating may not be justified at present.

Instead, a “hold” recommendation seems prudent until further clarity emerges regarding the company’s financial performance and research developments.

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