Opus Genetics Launches Gene Therapy Clinical Trial for MERTK-related Retinitis Pigmentosa
Rhea-AI Summary
Opus Genetics (Nasdaq: IRD) launched a clinical trial for OPGx-MERTK, an AAV-based gene therapy for MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa, with funding from Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will serve as the clinical site and clinical development activities are expected to commence in 2026. The program targets a disease affecting an estimated 60,000 patients worldwide and addresses an area with no approved treatments.
Positive
- Clinical trial launch funded by Abu Dhabi Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi designated as clinical site with advanced capabilities
- Clinical development activities expected to commence in 2026
Negative
- OPGx-MERTK remains investigational; safety and efficacy unproven in humans
- Initial clinical activities concentrated in Abu Dhabi, limiting geographic enrollment diversity
- No approved treatments exist, indicating high development and regulatory risk
News Market Reaction – IRD
On the day this news was published, IRD gained 0.71%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.0% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $1M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $210M at that time. Trading volume was elevated at 2.3x the daily average, suggesting notable buying interest.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
IRD gained 9.77% while peers were mixed: OVID up 3.57%, ATRA up 1.34%, IMUX up 0.19%, OKYO down 2.7%. Only ABOS appeared on momentum scans, up 4.33% without news, suggesting today’s move is stock-specific.
Previous Clinical trial Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | BEST1 safety review | Positive | +4.4% | IDMC gave positive recommendation to continue OPGx-BEST1 Phase 1/2 trial. |
| Nov 13 | BEST1 first dosing | Positive | -3.6% | First participant dosed in OPGx-BEST1 Phase 1/2 gene therapy trial. |
| Sep 30 | LCA5 pediatric data | Positive | -7.8% | Positive three-month pediatric data from OPGx-LCA5 Phase 1/2 trial. |
| Sep 04 | LYNX-3 Phase 3 start | Positive | +0.0% | Initiation of LYNX-3 Phase 3 trial for phentolamine ophthalmic solution. |
| Jun 26 | VEGA-3 Phase 3 win | Positive | +5.1% | VEGA-3 Phase 3 trial met primary endpoint in presbyopia treatment. |
Clinical trial news has produced mixed reactions, with both strong gains and notable selloffs around positive updates. Some favorable data and safety milestones were followed by negative or flat price moves, while other trial successes coincided with upside.
Over the past six months, Opus Genetics has repeatedly advanced its gene therapy pipeline through key clinical milestones. Positive pediatric data in LCA5, Phase 3 success in presbyopia, and dosing and monitoring milestones in Best disease all reinforced its focus on inherited retinal and ophthalmic conditions. However, price reactions have varied, with several positive trial updates followed by negative or flat moves. Today’s MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa trial launch extends this clinical strategy into another rare inherited blindness indication.
Historical Comparison
In the past year, Opus released multiple clinical trial updates with an average move of 4.19%. Today’s 9.77% reaction to the MERTK trial launch stands at the higher end of prior clinical-news responses.
Clinical updates show progression from early-phase dosing and safety in Best disease to positive pediatric LCA5 data and successful Phase 3 presbyopia trials, now expanding into a new MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa program.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details the funded launch of a gene therapy clinical trial for MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited disease affecting about 60,000 patients worldwide. Clinical activities are planned at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi beginning in 2026, extending Opus Genetics’ inherited retinal disease pipeline. Historical clinical updates have yielded varied stock reactions, so investors may focus on future safety and efficacy readouts, regional recruitment progress, and how this program complements existing LCA5, Best disease and presbyopia efforts.
Key Terms
retinitis pigmentosa medical
gene therapy medical
adeno-associated virus (AAV) medical
photoreceptor medical
precision medicine medical
inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- The trial is funded through Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund
- Clinical development activities will commence at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2026
- MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa affects an estimated 60,000 patients worldwide
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies to restore vision and prevent blindness in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), today announced the launch and funding of its clinical trial evaluating a gene therapy for MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare inherited eye disease that causes progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.
The study is being launched in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the Innovative Research Oversight and Support (IROS) division of the M42 group, and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will serve as the clinical site, equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical expertise and specialized retinal disease clinics.
The clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of OPGx-MERTK, an investigational adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy developed by Opus Genetics. The therapy is designed to deliver a functional copy of the MERTK gene to retinal cells. Mutations in MERTK impair the retina’s ability to recycle photoreceptor components, leading to progressive degeneration and vision loss. There are currently no approved treatments for MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
The Opus MERTK program is expected to commence clinical development activities in 2026, marking a major milestone for rare disease research and precision medicine in Abu Dhabi and the wider region, where inherited retinal diseases affect an estimated
George Magrath, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Opus Genetics said: “Launching our clinical trial for a MERTK gene therapy is a defining moment for patients and for the field of inherited retinal disease. This collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and our partners brings together scientific innovation, clinical excellence, and a shared commitment to addressing serious unmet needs. For patients living with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa, this trial represents the first real opportunity to potentially change the course of a disease that has historically led to inevitable vision loss.”
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “By hosting the first MERTK gene therapy clinical trial in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi is demonstrating its leadership in precision medicine and rare disease innovation while turning scientific possibility into tangible impact for patients. In collaboration with our international and local partners, we are proud to support the development of a novel therapy that could transform the lives of individuals living with inherited blindness. This milestone brings renewed hope to families and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted destination for advanced healthcare and life sciences research.”
Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of M42's Integrated Health Solutions, added: “This trial represents a pivotal step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for biotech innovation. Through strategic partnerships and clinical excellence, we are translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world treatments for patients with urgent, unmet needs. This collaboration reflects our mission to accelerate access to transformative therapies and to shape the future of rare disease research from the heart of the region.”
Through this trial, Opus Genetics and its partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing precision medicine, accelerating rare disease research, and bringing transformative gene therapies to patients with urgent unmet needs.
About Opus Genetics
Opus Genetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies to restore vision and prevent blindness in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The Company is developing durable, one-time treatments designed to address the underlying genetic causes of severe retinal disorders. The Company’s pipeline includes seven AAV-based programs, 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 is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution
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, preclinical data, and future plans for OPGx-MERTK, 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 subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and 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 Kobin
Remy Bernarda
IR Advisory Solutions
ir@opusgtx.com
Media
Kimberly Ha
KKH Advisors
917-291-5744
kimberly.ha@kkhadvisors.com
Source: Opus Genetics, Inc.
FAQ
What is Opus Genetics announcing about OPGx-MERTK and when does the trial start?
Where will the Opus Genetics MERTK clinical trial be conducted (IRD)?
Who funded the Opus Genetics MERTK gene therapy trial (IRD)?
How many patients worldwide are affected by MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa?
Does OPGx-MERTK have regulatory approval for MERTK-related RP (IRD)?
