US-based biotechnology firm Aura Biosciences has begun enrolling and dosing patients in its Phase Ib clinical trial of light-activated AU-011 for the treatment of primary ocular melanoma.

AU-011 is an investigational, targeted therapy consisting of viral nanoparticle conjugates that selectively bind to cancer cells in the eye.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

It is derived from the technology introduced by Dr John Schiller of the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The Phase Ib trial will assess the safety of two dose levels of AU-011 in a total of 12 subjects with small-to-medium primary ocular melanoma.

"We look forward to evaluating and advancing AU-011 alongside Dr Shields and other renowned researchers at ocular oncology centres of excellence in the US."

Aura founder and chief executive officer Elisabet de los Pinos said: “We look forward to evaluating and advancing AU-011 alongside Dr Shields and other renowned researchers at ocular oncology centres of excellence in the US.

“Moreover, we will continue to work closely with the FDA under AU-011’s fast-track designation to shape our clinical programme with their input.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Ultimately, our goal is to equip the physicians who diagnose ocular melanoma early with a new targeted therapy that both prevents tumour growth and leaves other key ocular structures unaffected, thereby preserving vision for patients.”

The trial will include patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ocular melanoma that is not previously treated and a patient follow-up will be conducted throughout the observation period of two years.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug and fast-track designations to AU-011 for treating primary ocular melanoma.