Little-known hazard sparks warning for Aussie drivers over 40: 'Can affect anyone'
Sydney woman Belinda Garvanovich used to dread driving after dark. For years, the anxiety persisted — until it led to a frightening close call.
"I used to refuse driving long distances at night and would make my husband drive as I wasn't confident," the 52-year-old told Yahoo News Australia. "I pushed my kids to get their licence as soon as they could so they could drive at night and not me.
"One time at a carpark at night, I couldn't see properly and went into a pole… next weekend I had an appointment booked in with my optometrist," she said.
The cause? Presbyopia, a common and age-related vision condition that affects the ability to focus on close-up objects, and one that millions of Australians may have without realising.
Belinda now wears "night glasses" while on the road and urged others with impaired vision to follow suit. "Don't put it off like me and get it checked ASAP," she urged.
After Australians experienced the longest night of the year this weekend, new research suggests a potentially dangerous trend is playing out on our roads, particularly among Aussies aged 35 to 50.
According to a new study, a staggering 72 per cent of mid-life Australians have never heard of presbyopia, despite more than half (51 per cent) reporting close-up vision problems in everyday life. The condition, which typically begins around age 40, becomes especially problematic during night driving.
Optometrist Greeshma Patel said the numbers reflect a broader lack of awareness and a pressing safety issue. "Presbyopia can affect nearly everyone as they age… but the term itself isn't widely known," she explained. "People often attribute their blurry near vision to just 'getting older' or 'tired eyes' rather than a specific condition."
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She said the condition can have serious implications on the road, especially in low-light conditions.
"When your eyes struggle to focus on near objects, it also affects their ability to quickly adapt focus between different distances," she said. "This means a driver might find it difficult to clearly read the dashboard, then instantly switch focus to road signs in the distance, or to spot pedestrians on dimly lit streets. It's not just about reading a book — it's about safe driving."
According to the survey, conducted by Specsavers, some 38 per cent of mid-life Australians admit to erratic driving at night due to poor vision. Pight per cent said they'd had a car accident as a result, and 57 per cent have felt unsafe driving at night due to their vision
Patel said symptoms like holding your phone further away, struggling with small text, or needing brighter light to read can all point to presbyopia, but many brush it off until something goes wrong.
"Workarounds like increasing screen text or borrowing someone else's glasses may help short term, but they delay getting the proper treatment," she said.
Fortunately, the fix is simple. "Presbyopia is very easy to treat and manage," she said. "The most common solutions are reading glasses, bifocals or multifocal lenses, and there are also contact lenses or corrective surgery options."
She's calling for greater public awareness, including campaigns to normalise routine eye checks. "Eye tests are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, but many people still don't prioritise them unless something is seriously wrong," she said.
As Australia continues to grapple with a national rise in road deaths, vision may be one of the most overlooked risk factors, especially in the colder, darker months. "Mid-life vision issues aren't just about reading or texting," Patel said. "They're directly tied to confidence and clarity behind the wheel. A quick eye test could prevent a crash — or even save a life."
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Aethlon Medical Announces Financial Results for the Fiscal Fourth Quarter Ended March 31, 2025, and Provides Corporate Update
Three Patients Treated in Hemopurifier® Cancer Trial; Indian Regulatory Approval Achieved; Operating Expenses Reduced; R&D Advances Support Expanded Indications Including Long COVID Conference Call to be Held Today at 4:30 p.m. ET SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aethlon Medical, Inc. (the Company or Aethlon) (Nasdaq: AEMD), a medical therapeutic company focused on developing products to treat cancer and life-threatening infectious diseases, today reported financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided an update on recent developments. Key Fiscal 2025 Highlights First three patients treated in Hemopurifier® cancer trial at Australian sites Indian regulatory approval received to initiate a similar oncology study Study protocol expanded to reflect evolving immunotherapy standard of care Preclinical data demonstrate 98.5% removal of platelet-derived EVs in simulated Hemopurifier® treatment Collaboration with UCSF to investigate Long COVID with findings to be presented at the Keystone Symposium Operating expenses reduced significantly through streamlined operations Clinical Progress in Cancer Trial Aethlon completed Hemopurifier treatments in the first three participants enrolled in its safety, feasibility, and dose-finding study of patients with solid tumors unresponsive to anti-PD-1 agents. Participant #1 was treated at Royal Adelaide Hospital in January 2025, while Participants #2 and #3 received treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney in June 2025. All participants completed a single 4-hour Hemopurifier treatment without device deficiencies or immediate complications and have now completed the pre-specified 7-day safety follow-up. This milestone triggers the first meeting of an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), to review safety data and recommend advancement to the second treatment cohort. In the next cohort, participants will receive two Hemopurifier treatments during a one-week period. Preliminary data from the first cohort, including effects on extracellular vesicle (EV) removal and anti-tumor T-cell activity, are expected in approximately three months. In parallel, the trial protocol was amended to broaden eligibility to include patients receiving combination therapies with Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) or Nivolumab (Opdivo®), in line with current treatment practices. Currently, only about 30% of patients receiving pembrolizumab or nivolumab experience lasting clinical responses. EVs released by tumors have been implicated in cancer progression and resistance to anti-PD-1 therapies. The Hemopurifier® is designed to bind and remove these EVs from the bloodstream, potentially improving the therapeutic response rates to anti-PD-1 antibodies. In preclinical studies, the Hemopurifier has been shown to reduce the number of EVs in cancer patient plasma samples. As a reminder, the primary endpoint for the approximate 9 to 18-patient study is safety. The trials will monitor any adverse events and clinically significant changes in lab tests of Hemopurifier treated patients with solid tumors with stable or progressive disease at different treatment intervals. Patients who do not respond to the PD-1 antibody therapy will be eligible to enter the Hemopurifier period of the study where sequential cohorts will receive 1, 2, or 3 Hemopurifier treatments during a one-week period. In addition to safety, the study includes exploratory analyses evaluating how many Hemopurifier® treatments are needed to decrease the concentration of EVs, and if these changes in EV concentrations improve the body's own natural ability to attack tumor cells. These findings are intended to guide the design of future safety and efficacy trials, including a potential Premarket Approval (PMA) study required by the FDA and other global regulatory agencies. Regulatory Approval India On June 19, 2025, the Company received formal approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to initiate a similar trial at Medanta Medicity Hospital. The approval followed a meeting with the Subject Expert Committee and prior Ethics Committee clearance. The trial will begin following a Site Initiation Visit (SIV) conducted by Aethlon's India-based CRO, Qualtran. Preclinical Study Supports Broader Applications On May 12, 2025, the results from Aethlon's preclinical ex vivo study were published in bioRxiv, and the manuscript has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Those results showed that the Hemopurifier, using proprietary Galanthus nivalis agglutin (GNA) affinity resin, removed 98.5% of platelet -derived extracellular vesicles (PD-EVs) from human plasma during a timepoint equivalent to a 4-hour HP treatment. Excessive levels of PD-EVs have been implicated in a myriad of diseases, including cancer, lupus, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, sepsis, acute and Long COVID. The results of this study support the ongoing oncology trial in Australia and suggest potential applications of the Hemopurifier in other EV-associated diseases. The manuscript describing this study has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Scientific Collaboration in Long COVID Research Aethlon's collaborative research with the UCSF Long COVID Clinic was accepted for a poster presentation at the Keystone Symposium on Long COVID and Other Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (August 10-13, 2025). The study analyzed blood samples from participants with Long COVID as well as controls that had recovered from COVID-19 infection to evaluate the binding of larger and smaller extracellular vesicles to the Hemopurifier's lectin affinity resin, respectively. These findings build on prior clinical evidence and support further investigation of the Hemopurifier in Long COVID, an unmet medical need affecting approximately 44 and 48 million people in the United States alone, with an estimated economic burden of 2 billion dollars in those with symptoms lasting a year. Operational Achievements In fiscal 2025, Aethlon streamlined operations and significantly reduced its operating expenses, positioning the company for sustained focus on its clinical and regulatory goals. Financial Results for the Fiscal Fourth Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 As of March 31, 2025, Aethlon had a cash balance of approximately $5.5 million. Consolidated operating expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, were approximately $9.3 million, representing a decrease of $3.3 million or approximately 26%, compared to $12.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. This reduction was primarily driven by lower payroll and related expenses, professional fees, and general and administrative costs. Payroll and related expenses declined by an approximate $1.3 million, reflecting an approximate $900,000 reduction in salaries and related expenses and an approximate $800,000 decrease in stock-based compensation. These reductions were primarily attributable to the termination of three executives—one in the fiscal year 2024, one in July and October 2024—and a workforce reduction of non-executive staff in August 2024. The decrease in stock-based compensation was primarily due to the absence of accelerated vesting charges recognized in the prior year related to the termination of our former Chief Executive Officer, as well as reduced expenses following the departure of executives and staff. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of approximately $400,000 in severance expenses associated with the termination of two former executives. Professional fees also declined by approximately $1.3 million. This decrease includes $600,000 in legal costs savings resulting from a transition to a new legal firm, and an approximate $500,000 related to the termination of services with a contract manufacturing organization and the completion of a project that involved using an outside lab to process samples. Consulting fees related to scientific projects and regulatory projects declined by approximately $300,000. These reductions were partially offset by an approximate $85,000 increase in accounting fees associated with obtaining audit firm consents for various securities filings. General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $660,000. The reduction was driven primarily by a $534,000 reduction in costs related to fewer raw material purchases, no cleanroom certification expenses, and reduced reliance on outside services for maintenance of the manufacturing facility. Laboratory supplies and testing costs also declined by $337,000 following the completion of oncology and transplant-related projects. Insurance expenses decreased by $141,000, reflecting lower medical and workers' compensation premiums due to reduced headcount, as well as an overall decrease in business insurance costs. Additional reductions included $44,000 in travel and entertainment expenses, $24,000 decrease in office supplies, and $19,000 in depreciation expense related to the disposal of certain equipment. These decreases were partially offset by a $467,000 increase in clinical trial expenses associated with our ongoing oncology study in Australia. As a result of the above factors, our operating loss decreased to $9.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, from $12.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Other Income (Expense) Other expenses for the year ended March 31, 2025, included a non-cash charge of approximately $4.6 million related to a warrant inducement offer. In March 2025, we offered certain warrant holders the opportunity to exercise existing warrants at a temporarily reduced exercise price in exchange for the issuance of new warrants. The inducement expense recognized represents the combined fair value of the new warrants issued and the incremental fair value resulting from the modification of the exercise price of the existing warrants. This transaction did not impact cash flows from operating activities. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, we recognized approximately $324,450 in other income related to the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) under the CARES Act and subsequent legislation. We recorded the ERTC as other income in the periods in which the payments were received. In addition, we recognized $36,339 in interest income related to the ERTC during fiscal 2025. As of March 31, 2025, the remaining expected credit was recorded as a receivable within other current assets on our consolidated balance sheet. No amounts were recorded in the prior fiscal year. The consolidated balance sheets for March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, and the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 follow at the end of this release. Conference Call Management will host a conference call today, Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to review the company's financial results and recent corporate developments. Following management's formal remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Interested parties can register for the conference call by navigating to Please note that registered participants will receive their dial-in number upon registration. Interested parties without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling: PARTICIPANT DIAL IN (TOLL-FREE): 1-844-836-8741PARTICIPANT INTERNATIONAL DIAL IN: 1-412-317-5442 All callers should ask for the Aethlon Medical, Inc. conference call. A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call through July 26, 2025. The replay can be accessed via Aethlon Medical's website or by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) or Canada toll-free at 1-855-669-9658. The replay conference ID number is 4903201. About Aethlon and the Hemopurifier®Aethlon Medical is a medical therapeutic company focused on developing the Hemopurifier, a clinical-stage immunotherapeutic device which is designed to combat cancer and life-threatening viral infections and for use in organ transplantation. In human studies, the Hemopurifier has demonstrated the removal of life-threatening viruses and in pre-clinical studies, the Hemopurifier has demonstrated the removal of harmful exosomes from biological fluids, utilizing its proprietary lectin-based technology. This action has potential applications in cancer, where exosomes may promote immune suppression and metastasis, and in life-threatening infectious diseases. The Hemopurifier is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated Breakthrough Device indicated for the treatment of individuals with advanced or metastatic cancer who are either unresponsive to or intolerant of standard of care therapy, and with cancer types in which exosomes have been shown to participate in the development or severity of the disease. The Hemopurifier also holds an FDA Breakthrough Device designation and an open Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application related to the treatment of life-threatening viruses that are not addressed with approved therapies. Additional information can be found at Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties. Statements containing words such as "may," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "will," "projections," "estimate," "potentially" or similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Aethlon's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Factors that may contribute to such differences include, without limitation, the Company's ability to raise additional capital on terms favorable to the Company, or at all; the Company's ability to successfully complete development of the Hemopurifier; the Company's ability to successfully demonstrate the utility and safety of the Hemopurifier in cancer and infectious diseases and in the transplant setting; the Company's ability to achieve and realize the anticipated benefits from potential milestones; the Company's ability to obtain approval from the Ethics Committee of its third location in Australia, including on the timeline expected by the Company; the Company's ability to enroll additional patients in its oncology clinical trials in Australia and India, including on the timeline expected by the Company; the Company's ability to manage and successfully complete its clinical trials; the Company's ability to successfully manufacture the Hemopurifier in sufficient quantities for its clinical trials; unforeseen changes in regulatory requirements; the Company's collaborative research with UCSF Long Covid Clinic; the Company's ability to further research potential applications of the Hemopurifier in other EV-associated diseases and other potential risks. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is illustrative but is not exhaustive. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements can be found under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025, and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not intend, nor does it undertake any duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Company Contact:Jim FrakesChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial OfficerAethlon Medical, Inc. Jfrakes@ Investor Contact:Susan NoonanS.A. Noonan Communications, LLCsusan@ AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Unaudited ASSETS March 31, 2025March 31, 2024CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents$ 5,501,261$ 5,441,978 Deferred offering costs-277,827 Prepaid expenses and other current assets448,539505,983 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS5,949,8006,225,788Property and equipment, net676,2201,015,229 Operating lease right-of-use asset601,846883,054 Patents, net5501,100 Restricted cash97,81387,506 Deposits33,30533,305 TOTAL ASSETS$ 7,359,534$ 8,245,982LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable$ 534,524$ 777,862 Due to related parties579,565546,434 Operating lease liability, current portion313,033290,565 Accrued professional fees472,164215,038 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES1,899,2861,829,899Operating lease liability, less current portion336,718649,751 TOTAL LIABILITIES2,236,0042,479,650 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCommon stock, $0.001 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized as of March31, 2025 and 2024; 2,585,239 and 328,716 shares issued and 2,010,739 and328,716 outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively2,586329 Additional paid-in capital173,092,894160,339,671 Accumulated other comprehensive loss(17,133)(6,940) Accumulated deficit(167,954,817)(154,566,728) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY5,123,5305,766,332 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY$ 7,359,534$ 8,245,982 AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 Unaudited Fiscal YearFiscal Year Ended 3/31/25Ended 3/31/24OPERATING EXPENSES Professional fees$ 2,224,092$ 3,526,926 Payroll and related expenses3,874,0925,206,451 General and administrative3,243,1813,903,191 Total operating expenses9,341,36512,636,568OPERATING LOSS(9,341,365)(12,636,568)OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET Interest income(298,122)(447,356) Other income(324,450)- Interest expense10,109- Other expense4,659,18818,962 Total other expense (income)4,046,725(428,394)NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS(13,388,090)(12,208,174)Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders$ (8.58)$ (38.87)Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 1,560,839314,097NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS(13,388,090)(12,208,174)OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)(10,193)(799)COMPREHENSIVE LOSS$ (13,398,283)$ (12,208,973) View original content: SOURCE Aethlon Medical, Inc.
Time Business News
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Why Smart Aussies Are Turning Junk Cars Into Cash
Junk cars often sit unused in driveways, losing value and occupying space. Smart Australians are now opting to convert these liabilities into fast, usable cash. Whether your vehicle is accident-damaged, rusted, or completely non-functional, selling it to a cash-for-cars service is an efficient, responsible, and rewarding decision. This blog explores why so many Aussies are turning to this option and how the process works to their advantage. Converting a junk car into money saves time and eliminates stress. Private selling often involves listings, negotiations, repairs, and paperwork. In contrast, professional car removal companies provide instant quotes and cash on pickup. There's no need to invest in fixing or presenting the car. The value of your vehicle is based on its model, condition, and salvageable parts, which are assessed on the spot. One-time payment ensures you're not stuck waiting for uncertain buyers. 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Opus Genetics Announces VEGA-3 Phase 3 Trial Met its Primary Endpoint for Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% for the Treatment of Presbyopia
Study met its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating rapid and sustained improvement in near visual acuity Safety profile consistent with previous clinical trials and no treatment-related serious adverse events reported in the study No evidence of tachyphylaxis was observed in this study over the 6-week period Management to Host Webcast and Conference Call Today at 8:00 A.M. ET RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and small molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders, today announced positive topline results from VEGA-3, its second pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% for the treatment of presbyopia. Presbyopia is an ophthalmic disorder that involves the progressive loss of ability to focus on close objects that results in blurred near vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and eye strain. The VEGA-3 trial met its primary endpoint, with a statistically significant 27.2% of participants treated with Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% achieving a ≥15-letter improvement in binocular distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), with less than a 5-letter loss in binocular best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, compared to 11.5% of patients on placebo (p<0.0001). The trial also met key secondary efficacy endpoints, reinforcing the benefit observed. 'The results of the VEGA-3 trial reinforce our belief that Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% could offer an option to improve near vision for millions of adults affected by presbyopia,' said George Magrath, M.D., CEO, Opus Genetics. 'The positive results from both our Phase 3 VEGA-2 and VEGA-3 trials support the submission of an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which we plan to file in the second half of 2025. I want to thank the participants and clinical teams who participated in VEGA-3 and who have helped us bring Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% to this point in development.' 'These findings provide further validation of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% as a differentiated approach to managing presbyopia, reflected by its ability to improve near vision while preserving distance vision without compromising low contrast vision,' said Jay Pepose, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Advisor, Opus Genetics. VEGA-3 Phase 3 Study VEGA-3 is the second Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% in subjects with presbyopia. VEGA-3 is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study that enrolled 545 participants across 40 sites in the United States. Subjects were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to receive either Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% or placebo, administered once daily in the evening. Top-Line Results: The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of participants achieving a ≥15-letter Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) (≥3-line) improvement in binocular DCNVA and with less than 5 letters of loss in binocular BCDVA from baseline at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, as compared to placebo. 27.2% of participants treated with Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% achieved a ≥15-letter improvement in DCNVA, with less than a 5-letter loss in BCDVA at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, compared to 11.5% of patients on placebo (p<0.0001). 20.6% of patients in the Phentolamine arm achieved ≥15-letter ETDRS (≥3-line) gain in DCNVA at 1-hour post-dose on Day 1 compared to 6.1% of those receiving placebo (p=0.0002). Significant patient-reported functional benefit at Days 3 and 8 and Week 6 were observed with patients reporting satisfaction with near vision upon awakening (p<0.0001) and improvement in their near vision (p<0.0001). There was no evidence of tachyphylaxis observed after 6 weeks compared to the primary endpoint at Day 8 12 hours post-dose. Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% demonstrated a safety profile consistent with previous trials, with no new safety signal identified and no treatment-related serious adverse events reported in this study. The most common (≥5%) treatment-emergent adverse events included conjunctival hyperemia, instillation site irritation, and dysgeusia and all of which were predominantly mild. A low rate of headache (2.6%) was reported over the study period. VEGA-3 patients will continue to be monitored for long-term safety over 48 weeks. Additional information on the VEGA-3 study design is available on (NCT06542497). Opus Genetics and Viatris (through its affiliate) are parties to a global licensing agreement which provides for the development of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% and grants exclusive rights to Viatris to commercialize Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% in the United States. Conference Call & Webcast Details Opus Genetics management will host a webcast and conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the VEGA-3 results and provide a corporate update. The live and archived webcast may be accessed on the Opus Genetics website under the Investors section: Events. The live call can be accessed by dialing 888-506-0062 (domestic) or 973-528-0011 (international) and entering conference code: 936860. Opus Genetics suggests participants join 15 minutes in advance of the event. About Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% is a non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist to reduce pupil size, administered as an eye drop. It works by uniquely blocking the alpha-1 receptors found on the radial iris dilator muscles, which are activated by the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, without affecting the ciliary muscle. Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% is currently being evaluated in two Phase 3 programs for the treatment of presbyopia and dim (mesopic) light vision disturbances after keratorefractive surgery (LYNX clinical program) and presbyopia (VEGA clinical program). About Presbyopia Presbyopia is the progressive loss of ability to focus on near objects that typically becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s. As the eye ages, the ability to focus for reading and other tasks that require clear vision at near distances decreases. Presbyopia patients experience blurred near vision, difficulty seeing in dim light and eye strain. This ubiquitous condition leads to the widespread use of reading glasses or bifocals. It is estimated that 128 million Americans, and over 2 billion people worldwide, have presbyopia, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages. About Opus Genetics Opus Genetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene and small molecule therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. The company's pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead candidate, OPGx-LCA5, is in a Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations and has shown encouraging early results. Additional programs include OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy targeting BEST1- related retinal degeneration and a Phase 3-ready small molecule therapy for diabetic retinopathy, developed under a Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA. Opus is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy currently approved in one indication and is being studied in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and dim light vision disturbances. The company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the clinical development, clinical results, and future plans for Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% and expectations regarding us, our business prospects, and our results of operations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described under the heading 'Risk Factors' included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'aim,' 'may,' 'ongoing,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise. Contacts Investors Jenny KobinRemy BernardaIR Advisory Solutionsir@ MediaKimberly HaKKH Source: Opus Genetics, Inc.
