Ocuphire buys Opus Genetics, grows gene therapy pipeline

Ocuphire Pharma (Nasdaq: OCUP) has announced the acquisition of Opus Genetics, a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on treating inherited retinal diseases.

The all-stock deal merges the companies, forming a new entity that will focus on gene therapies, and will trade under the name Opus Genetics on the Nasdaq exchange.

The acquisition brings Opus’ adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies into Ocuphire’s portfolio, including its leading candidate OPGx-LCA5, which is currently in a Phase I/II trial for LCA5, a rare early-onset retinal degeneration.