PYC Therapeutics (ASX:PYC) started a global repeat dose phase 1b study of its PYC-001 drug candidate in patients with autosomal dominant optic atrophy, a genetic eye disease, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.

The first patient enrolled in the trial received an initial dose of PYC-001 via intravitreal administration.

The study seeks to probe the safety and tolerability profile of PYC-001 and determine the optimal dose and dosing regimen for the drug candidate, per the filing. A secondary objective of the study is to provide preliminary efficacy insights following administration.

The study will evaluate three different doses of 10 micrograms per eye, 30 micrograms, and 60 micrograms, as well as two different dose intervals of eight weeks and 12 weeks, the filing said. Each patient enrolled in the study is expected to receive three doses of the drug candidate in a single eye.

The firm's shares rose almost 1% in recent trading on Tuesday.