Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University and affiliated organizations presented data from a study that aimed to investigate mechanisms by which the CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) antagonist, AMG-487, acts on autoimmune uveitis.
Uveitis is a disease involving the eye, affecting the iris, ciliary body, retina and their associated blood vessels, among others. The non-infectious type of uveitis is linked to immune-related factors and its pathogenesis remains poorly understood.
Avirmax Biopharma Inc. has received IND approval from the FDA to initiate a phase I/IIa trial for its gene therapy treatment targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).
Abionyx Pharma SA has released new preclinical efficacy results with CER-001 after a single intraocular administration in a uveitis model with severe inflammation.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. has disclosed plasma kallikrein (KLKB1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of hereditary angioedema, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, wet macular degeneration (exudative) and uveitis.
Eye diseases specialist Oculis SA is set to add $200 million to its balance sheet by merging with the European Biotech Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed to invest in the European life sciences industry.
Kriya Therapeutics Inc. has presented preclinical data on their novel candidate, KT-A261, an adeno-associated viral vector serotype 2 (AAV2) encoded to express adalimumab, administered as a single intravitreal injection to improve ocular concentrations of adalimumab, for the potential treatment of noninfectious uveitis (NIU).
China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved Ocumension Therapeutics Ltd.’s and Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s drug-device combination product, Yutiq (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant), for chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye.
Acelyrin Inc. closed a $250 million series B round and, at the same time, unveiled a licensing deal with Affibody AB, involving an interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor, izokibep, which it is now testing in a pivotal trial in uveitis. Solna, Sweden-based Affibody is getting $25 million up front and could earn up to $280 million more in regulatory and sales-based milestones, as well as tiered royalties, ranging from high single digits to low double digits in percentage terms.
