Fort Worth, April 30, 2015 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care and second-largest division of Novartis, announce upcoming poster and paper presentations focused on the latest research in retina during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, USA, beginning May 3.

RTH258 Data Presentations

Among the presentation highlights will be further details from the RTH258 Phase II clinical study, in patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Alcon will present quarterly dosing data from the extension portion of the study, as well as data on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gains up to week 56. Alcon will also share clinical data comparing the efficacy of a microvolume application of RTH258 when delivered as an intravitreal injection or an intravitreal infusion in patients with wet AMD. In addition, data will highlight how a micropump or other similar device could permit sustained delivery, potentially in combination with other treatments. The potential for less frequent dosing due to the drug’s solubility properties and ability to deliver a high molar dose, compared to other anti-VEGF treatments, will also be presented by Novartis.

• Efficacy of RTH258 (ESBA1008), an Anti-VEGF Agent, Applied by Microvolume Injection or Infusion in Subjects with Neovascular AMD (Poster Session; May 3, 2015; 1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. MDT; Exhibit Hall)
• Affinity and Potency of RTH258 (ESBA1008), a Novel Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A for the Treatment of Retinal Disorders (Poster Session; May 4, 2015; 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. MDT; Exhibit Hall – conducted by Novartis)
• OSPREY Trial: Randomized, Active-Controlled, Phase II Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of RTH258, a Humanized Single-Chain Anti-VEGF Antibody Fragment, in Patients with Neovascular AMD (Paper Session; May 6, 2015; 4 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. MDT; 2-4 Four Seasons Ballroom)

JETREA^® (Ocriplasmin) Data Presentations from Alcon

Alcon will be presenting updates on the progress of its Phase IV studies for ocriplasmin in the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT). The first study, “INJECT: Investigation of Jetrea in Patients with Confirmed Vitreomacular Traction” aims to characterize the baseline characteristics, safety profile and clinical effectiveness of the drug in real-world settings globally. The second Phase IV study, “Ocriplasmin for Vitreomacular Traction Intravitreal Injection Decisions (OVIID 1),” is underway to observe the anatomical and functional outcomes of a single intravitreal injection over a six-month period.

• Assessment of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes in the Ocriplasmin for Vitreomacular Traction Intravitreal Injection Decisions (OVIID 1) Trial (Poster Session; May 3, 2015; 3:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. MDT; Exhibit Hall)
• Interim Results From INJECT: Investigation of JETREA^® in Patients With Confirmed Vitreomacular Traction (Poster Session; May 3, 2015; 3:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. MDT; Exhibit Hall)

Healthcare professionals attending ARVO will be able to visit the Alcon booth (#2403 in the Exhibit Hall) for more information about activities, and poster and paper sessions.

About RTH258

RTH258 is a single-chain, antibody fragment developed for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, also known as wet AMD. The compound is currently in Phase III clinical trial development.

About JETREA^® (ocriplasmin)

JETREA^® is a one-time, non-surgical treatment for people suffering from vitreomacular traction (VMT), a progressive condition that can lead to disabling visual disturbances and loss of central vision and blindness if left untreated. A recombinant form of human protein (plasmin), Jetrea targets the protein fibers that cause the abnormal pull between vitreous and macula. By dissolving these proteins, JETREA^® separates the vitreous from the macula, thereby releasing VMT and helping to close the macular hole, if present. JETREA^® has been shown to provide early resolution of VMT, including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns.¹