Insmed Inc (INSM)

[surf_baron]

ROP is a much larger market than you assume...

1100 to 1500 may have surgery, but surgery is only done for the worst cases. IGF will probably have a role in the treatment of less severe cases as well. Estimates of 14000 to 16000 of premature infants in US have some form of affliction

www.nei.nih.gov/health/rop/index.asp#3

I am personally aware of ROP risks / complications / issues that's partly what drives my interest in INSM being involved in this indication. ROP is primarily caused by prematurity and growth restricted neonatal development. Eye / vision development happens later in pregnancy term. Lights and UV therapy done in insoletes have nothing to do with retinal issues in premature infants, it's a developmental issue. Lots of ROP children who don't require surgery to prevent blindness have vision issues that IGF therapy may help address. In general there is interest in IGF's role in growth and development for small premature infants who are growth restricted or SGA (small for gestational age). This is a whole market / area that I hope INSM will be involved in and have orphan status for in key markets.