KALA BIO (KALA) H.C. Wainwright 4th Annual Ophthalmology Virtual Conference summary

Conference overview

• H.C. Wainwright hosted its Fourth Annual Ophthalmology Conference, featuring updates from companies in the sector.

• The event included presentations on innovative therapies and strategic progress in ophthalmology.

Strategic and clinical program updates

• KPI-012, a mesenchymal stem cell secretome product, is in a phase II-B trial for persistent corneal epithelial defects (PCED), with top-line data expected in Q1 2025.

• The program received a $15 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and has a projected cash runway into Q4 2025.

• KPI-012 is positioned as a pipeline-in-a-product, with additional indications under evaluation, including limbal stem cell deficiency and rare retinal diseases.

• The company has a history of successful ophthalmic product development and divestiture to focus on its secretome platform.

Technology and platform insights

• The secretome platform uses cell-free biomolecules from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, formulated for topical ocular use.

• This approach aims to deliver regenerative benefits without the risks of cell therapy, with consistent manufacturing at commercial scale.

• KPI-012 contains growth factors, neurotrophic factors, protease inhibitors, and matrix proteins to address corneal wound healing.