Okogen Inc. has taken significant steps in developing a potential breakthrough treatment for acute infectious conjunctivitis (AIC) by submitting a regulatory application to India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for its Phase IIb clinical trial, known as the Emerald Study.
The study, strategically timed during the 2025 Monsoon Season when conjunctivitis rates peak, aims to evaluate OKG-0303, a triple-combination eyedrop targeting both bacterial and viral forms of the eye infection. This research represents a critical advancement in addressing a condition that currently lacks comprehensive treatment options.
Concurrent with the regulatory submission, Okogen has appointed Dr. David A. Hollander as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Hollander brings extensive experience in drug development and ophthalmological research, having previously served in leadership roles at companies like Revance and Allergan.
The significance of this development is underscored by the current conjunctivitis market, which is valued at $4.2 billion annually and projected to exceed $6 billion by 2031. Notably, there are currently no approved treatments for adenoviral conjunctivitis, which comprises over 90% of viral ocular infections.
Okogen's approach integrates innovative medical research with artificial intelligence, developing an AI-enabled platform to evaluate AIC. The company expects to publish Phase 2b data by the fourth quarter of 2025, potentially offering a groundbreaking solution for managing this widespread eye condition.
By targeting both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis with a single treatment, Okogen aims to address a critical gap in current medical protocols, potentially transforming how healthcare providers diagnose and treat this easily spread infection.
