Background
Diabetic retinopathy, also known as diabetic eye disease (DED), is a medical condition in which damage occurs to the retina due to diabetes mellitus. It is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries.
Diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80 percent of those who have had both type 1 and type 2 diabetes for 20 years or more.
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) represents over 50% of the market without current therapeutic options.
Tech Overview
Our researchers have developed a novel prodrug formulation with unique therapeutic and safety profile to address diabetic retinopathy. The formulation address known validated targets and pathogenic process with novel anti-angiogenic/vasculogenic dual mechanisms that is driven by multi-growth factors (VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, EGFR).
Advantages
- VT-1001 is a novel prodrug formulation to address diabetic retinopathy:
- Novel anti-angiogenic/vasculogenic mechanisms that is driven by multi-growth factors (VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, EGFR) – none classical tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- Documented anti-glycation actions
- Demonstrable long term safety data within animal models
- VT-1001 has optimal pharmacological drug properties as an ocular agent:
- Potency – Selectivity – Solubility – Bioavailability – Drug/drug interactions – Safety – Synthesizability
- VT-1001 significantly lower protein binding than receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (better ocular PK) and superior long-term safety
- VT-1001 formulated as ocular prodrug:
- Stabilizes the API
- Prodrug hydrolyzes within ocular tissues to release lead molecule, enhancing targeting and therapeutic actions
- Developing a first-in-class, IND-enabling small molecule (VT-1001) with demonstrable efficacy and safety for ocular conditions
- Isomeric prodrug derivative of parental drug with inherent bioavailability and extensive clinical use and safety allows for enhanced ocular delivery