Opus Genetics, Inc.

Opus Genetics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene therapies to restore vision and prevent blindness in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), and other therapies for additional ophthalmic disorders. The company was founded in February 2018 as Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. In April 2018, Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. merged with Ocularis Pharma, LLC, the original innovator of phentolamine mesylate ophthalmic solution. In January 2020, Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. obtained certain rights to Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Ref-1 inhibitor program, including APX3330. In November 2020, Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. completed a reverse merger into Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and simultaneously raised just over $21 million through an offering of common shares and warrants. On October 22, 2024, Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. acquired a private corporation then operating under the name "Opus Genetics Inc." The company's pipeline consists of a portfolio of gene therapies designed as durable, one-time treatments for the underlying genetic causes of severe retinal disorders. This pipeline includes seven adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based programs. These programs are led by OPGx-LCA5 for LCA5-related mutations and OPGx-BEST1 for BEST1-related retinal degeneration, with additional candidates targeting RHO, CNGB1, RDH12, NMNAT1, and MERTK. Opus Genetics, Inc. is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a small-molecule therapy that is FDA-approved for pharmacologically induced mydriasis, with potential additional indications in presbyopia and low-light visual disturbances following keratorefractive surgery.