Recent evidence has suggested that the use of norrin mimetics targeting both frizzled-4 (FZD4) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) may be highly effective at modulating retinal vascular leakage. When combined with an anti-VEGF therapy, it was hypothesized to have an additive benefit potential for treating retinal vascular disorders.

Surrozen Inc. has announced that Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG will further develop SZN-413 to advance the compound and prepare it for clinical testing. Boehringer decided to move forward with development based on the completion of the initial period of joint research under the companies’ strategic partnership for the research and development of SZN-413 for the treatment of retinal diseases.

Recent studies have demonstrated that WNT/β-catenin signaling is essential for the regulation of both blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood...

Surrozen Inc.’s back-end-loaded deal with Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH for the preclinical frizzled class receptor 4 agonist SZN-413 takes aim at vascular function in retinal diseases. The arrangement brings an up-front payment to South San Francisco-based Surrozen of $12.5 million, plus up to $586.5 million in potential development, regulatory and commercial milestone rewards, along with mid-single-digit to low-double-digit royalties on sales. After an initial period of joint research, Boehringer, of Ingelheim, Germany, will take over development and commercial responsibilities.

A Surrozen Inc. research team has reported preclinical data for the novel frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4) agonist, SZN-413, being evaluated for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. In vitro studies using the Norrin mimetic (SZN-413-p) revealed that SZN-413-p induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling and upregulated blood-brain barrier/blood-retina barrier gene expressions in endothelial cells.