EMERYVILLE, Calif. — September 24, 2026
Octant, Inc. announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 1b/2 portion of its clinical study evaluating OCT-980, an investigational oral small molecule for rhodopsin-associated autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RHO-adRP). The clinical-stage drug discovery company is developing OCT-980 as a potential treatment designed to address the underlying protein misfolding associated with certain RHO mutations. The study follows completion of the Phase 1a portion in healthy volunteers and is now evaluating the candidate directly in patients with genetically confirmed RHO-adRP.
OCT-980 Targets Misfolded Rhodopsin in RHO-adRP
RHO-adRP is an inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in the RHO gene, with many disease-causing variants resulting in misfolded and improperly trafficked rhodopsin proteins. These abnormalities can disrupt photoreceptor function and contribute to progressive retinal degeneration and vision loss. OCT-980 is designed to stabilize misfolded rhodopsin and restore appropriate cellular trafficking, potentially addressing a disease mechanism rather than only treating symptoms. Octant is evaluating whether this approach can improve visual function, particularly low-light vision, and potentially slow disease progression.
Phase 1b/2 Study Evaluates Safety and Visual Function
The ongoing Phase 1b/2 multicenter study is evaluating OCT-980 in patients with a genetic diagnosis of RHO-adRP. Study objectives include assessment of safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, together with exploratory measures of efficacy involving retinal structure and visual function. The study is registered as NCT07408232. Dosing the first patient marks the transition of OCT-980 into patient evaluation following the completed Phase 1a healthy-volunteer portion and will provide clinical data on the candidate’s biological activity and potential therapeutic effects in the target population.
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Octant Advances Protein-Misfolding Drug Discovery Platform
Octant is developing OCT-980 through The Navigator, its drug discovery platform combining high-throughput synthetic biology, generative chemistry and artificial intelligence/machine learning to identify therapeutics for complex cellular mechanisms. OCT-980 is the company’s lead program targeting RHO-adRP, while its broader pipeline includes additional programs in rare diseases and oncology. As the Phase 1b/2 study progresses, clinical findings will help determine whether OCT-980 can safely address the underlying rhodopsin dysfunction associated with RHO-adRP and support further development of an oral disease-directed treatment.
Source :Octant, press release
