Isarna Presents Positive Preclinical Results Supporting Development of ISTH0036 for the Treatment of Glaucoma
Isarna Therapeutics has announced the presentation of preclinical data for its lead candidate ISTH0036, a locked nucleic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotide, currently in Phase I development for the treatment of advanced-stage glaucoma. Isarna presented supporting preclinical results in one podium presentation and two poster publications at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) held 3–7 May in Denver, Colorado.
As described in the podium presentation, ISTH0036 was administered to evaluate its therapeutic potential in murine models of glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In the murine GFS model, upon intraocular administration, ISTH0036 was able to significantly prolong bleb survival, as compared to control oligonucleotide- and saline-treated eyes. In addition, ISTH0036 was able to significantly decrease the extent of fibrosis in the bleb area in a sequence-specific manner.
Furthermore, in a murine CNV model, intravitreal administration of ISTH0036 was able to significantly reduce (40%) the process of angiogenesis, as compared to saline- and control oligonucleotide-treated eyes. This observation may open up development opportunities beyond glaucoma.
Also presented at the conference, two posters described the overall preclinical profile and the testing of ISTH0036 in which it successfully demonstrated excellent cellular uptake, potent TGF-ß2 mRNA downregulation (target engagement) in cell-based assays and in relevant tissues of the eye. Long-lasting tissue distribution was consistent with the observed target engagement.
“We have clearly demonstrated in these animal models that intraocular administration of ISTH0036 leads to biological responses consistent with the expected molecular mechanism of action and with observed efficient and long-lasting distribution in relevant eye tissues,” said Dr. Michel Janicot, Head of Preclinical Research and Development at Isarna. “These preclinical data support the compound’s potential to protect glaucoma patients’ vision and we hope to reproduce these results in our ongoing clinical evaluation of the compound. In addition, based on these data we see several other high medical need diseases that could potentially benefit from TGF-ß-targeted treatment.”
Several diseases in ophthalmology have been linked to the modulation of TGF-ß, among them are glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy and corneal diseases. TGF-ß2 has specifically been identified as having a critical role in the pathophysiology of glaucoma affecting changes in the ocular outflow region that can lead to open-angle glaucoma and has been linked in addition to having a direct, toxic effect on the optic nerve head.
Related News
-
News BioNTech to begin mRNA vaccine manufacturing in Rwanda by 2025
German biotechnology company BioNTech has stated their intentions to begin production at their mRNA vaccine factory in Rwanda by 2025, which will mark the first foreign mRNA vaccine manufacturing site on the continent of Africa. -
News Identifying Alzheimer’s Disease biomarker proteins with whole blood tests
A University of Manchester spin-out pharmaceutical company, PharmaKure, has reported successful study results for the quantification of Alzheimer’s Disease biomarker proteins with a whole blood test. -
News Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to boost mRNA vaccine initiatives in Africa with USD $40m
To address vaccine inequality and accessibility issues, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to deliver USD $40m to various biotech companies and vaccine manufacturers in support of mRNA vaccine development. -
News CPHI Podcast Series: Exploring neurological frontiers in Alzheimer's and beyond
The next episode of the CPHI Podcast Series delves into the science and background behind some recent developments in the field of Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders. -
News Is patient centricity the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing?
In this interview with Sandra Sánchez y Oldenhage, President of PharmAdvice, she speaks to the importance of considering patients in the manufacturing stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and how it can redefine healthcare. -
News CPHI Podcast Series: How to leverage AI for Drug Discovery
Artificial intelligence is the topic of debate in the latest episode from the CPHI Podcast Series, where Digital Editor Lucy Chard speaks with Bill Whitford of DPS Group about the integration of AI in healthcare. -
News Pfizer forges ahead with blood cancer therapy after approval from FDA
Pfizer gains accelerated approval from the US FDA for their new bispecific antibody therapy for multiple myeloma, set to address an unmet need for patients. -
News Alzheimer's drug donanemab deemed effective in landmark clinical trial
Results from the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Randomised Clinical Trial into the use of donanemab to treat early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease have been analysed.
Position your company at the heart of the global Pharma industry with a CPHI Online membership
-
Your products and solutions visible to thousands of visitors within the largest Pharma marketplace
-
Generate high-quality, engaged leads for your business, all year round
-
Promote your business as the industry’s thought-leader by hosting your reports, brochures and videos within your profile
-
Your company’s profile boosted at all participating CPHI events
-
An easy-to-use platform with a detailed dashboard showing your leads and performance