A new biopharmaceutical company named Ocythera has recently been established in Montreal with a focus on developing groundbreaking therapies for rare bone diseases. This initiative was spearheaded by adMare BioInnovations, a prominent pharmaceutical incubator in Quebec.
The foundation of Ocythera is built upon the extensive research conducted by Dr. Martin Petkovich at Queen’s University. Dr. Petkovich has been collaborating closely with Dr. Joseph Mancini, now the CEO of Ocythera, since 2021. Expressing his enthusiasm for their mission, Mancini, who also holds the position of vice-president at adMare BioInnovations, emphasized the transformative impact their work can have on individuals’ lives.
Patients grappling with rare bone disorders often face limited treatment options. Ocythera is pioneering a new approach by offering a “non-retinoid therapy” that promises enhanced safety and efficacy. The company is particularly focusing on two rare conditions: hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
HMO is characterized by the presence of multiple non-cancerous bone tumors covered by cartilage, primarily affecting the growth ends of long bones in various body parts. This condition can lead to bone deformities, skeletal irregularities, short stature, nerve compression, and restricted mobility. On the other hand, FOP is a genetic connective tissue disorder leading to abnormal bone development in areas like ligaments, tendons, and muscles, resulting in stiffness, limited movement, and joint fusion.
In a significant breakthrough, Ocythera has reported a remarkable 90% success rate in halting the progression of FOP in a pre-clinical mouse model. The company is currently evaluating the effectiveness of their treatment in the HMO model and aims to develop a clinical compound for human trials within the next one-and-a-half to two years.
Highlighting the prevalence of these rare diseases, Mancini stated that HMO affects one in 50,000 individuals globally, while FOP impacts one in a million people. He expressed optimism about the future, envisioning potential treatments for patients within the next five to six years.
In Quebec, rare diseases can affect up to eight percent of the population, underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions and medical advancements in this field.
