A drug designed to protect the optic nerve is showing it can preserve vision in a sudden, frightening condition

Optic neuritis strikes fast: inflammation of the optic nerve, often linked to multiple sclerosis, can blur or steal vision in days. Oculis, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, is presenting Phase 2 results for Privosegtor, a small molecule designed to cross into the brain and retina and protect nerve tissue rather than just calm inflammation. In the ACUITY trial in acute optic neuritis, the drug improved visual function, preserved the retina's anatomy and reduced blood markers of nerve damage. Regulators in the USA and Europe have granted it special designations for promising therapies, and a larger registrational programme, PIONEER, is now enrolling patients with and without multiple sclerosis.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: tech innovation