Isarna Therapeutics Unveils New Selective TGF-beta Antagonist Program Targeting Multiple Indications in Ophthalmology

Isarna Therapeutics, a leader in TGF-ß targeted antisense therapeutics, has submitted a Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) application with the German Regulatory Authority to begin human studies on its lead program ISTH0036, a selective TGF-ß2 antisense oligonucleotide. TGF-ß2 is considered a prime disease driver in major ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, secondary cataract, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

“Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. By targeting TGF-ß2 we believe that ISTH0036 represents an important innovative and so far unexplored new approach to stopping and potentially modifying the course of the disease in its advanced stages and, therefore, it addresses a high unmet medical need,” stated Dr Philippe Calais, CEO of Isarna. “We expect to begin studies in the first half of 2015 and are seeking funding to advance this as well as our lead TGF-ß isoform specific programmes in fibrosis and oncology through the proof-of-concept stage.”

Dr Calais continued: “Isarna made significant progress during the course of 2014, as it was only a year ago that we announced our agreement with Santaris providing us with exclusive access to their LNA chemistry technology, and today we announce our first CTA filing for a major disease in ophthalmology.”