Opthea (OPT: $0.85) is currently conducting two Phase III studies with its ophthalmic drug candidate, OPT-302, for the treatment of wet AMD. Those trials are seeking to recruit just under 2,000 people. With completion of recruitment approaching, that major milestone will trigger a countdown to the pending results a little over 12 months later, which should see considerable interest build in the stock.

Arguably the most significant event for the Australian biotech sector is approaching with a decision expected from the FDA on the approval of trofinetide, developed by Neuren Pharmaceuticals (NEU: $7.16), on 12 March.

EBR Systems (EBR: $0.60) is a relatively new biotech on the ASX, having listed in November 2021 at $1.08 per share, raising $110 million. It is developing the world's first and only wireless electronic heart pacing system for the left ventricular, called WiSE. It is being trialled with commercially available right ventricle pacers (both with leads and wireless) to offer a novel cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT).

Cogstate (CGS: $1.18) came close to being acquired in the recent weeks with discussions with an interested group beginning in December and negotiations ending last week.

Aortic heart valve company Anteris Technologies (AVR: $21.71) has completed a $35 million capital raise, conducted at $24 per share. Investors also received a free two-year option to buy an additional share at $29.

Aroa Biosurgery (ARX: $1.15) delivered another consistent quarter of growth. Net cash receipts were up 88% over the PCP to NZ$17 million for the quarter, and up 83% over the PCP for the last nine months to NZ$42 million.

Insecticide development company Bio-Gene Technology (BGT: $0.096) has signed a development and product access deal with Israeli group STK Bio-Ag Technologies.

Background
EBR Systems is a single product medical device company developing a wireless electrode designed to stimulate the left ventricle (LV) for biventricular cardiac re-synchronisation therapy (CRT). CRT is a mainstay of treatment for late-stage heart failure. The WiSE (Wireless Stimulation Endocardially) electrode represents a step change in CRT for the key reason that it is already the first ever device to achieve a CE mark for implantation to the endocardium (inside) of the left ventricle.