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Investigational compound shows promise in treatment of diabetic macular ischemia

Key Takeaways

  • An investigational drug called BI 764524 was well tolerated and showed promise in treating diabetic macular ischemia (DMI), a complication of diabetic retinopathy that does not have any approved treatment.
  • Based on these findings, BI 764524 is moving forward in the phase 2b CRIMSON study.

Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) is a complication of diabetic retinopathy caused by decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central and color vision as well as sharp vision that enables us to see fine details. Currently, no approved treatment is available for DMI.

BI 764524 (Boehringer Ingelheim) is an investigational drug targeting semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a complex molecule involved in the processes of dysregulation of angiogenesis (the process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing blood vessels) and increased retinal permeability (leakiness), leading to the development of DMI in patients with diabetic retinopathy. By binding and neutralizing Sema3A, this novel compound may affect retinal nonperfusion, a condition in diabetic retinopathy where blood ceases to flow to certain parts of the retina, and promote revascularization of ischemic areas.

Outcomes from the phase 1/2a HORNBILL study indicate a potential disease-modifying effect of BI 764524 in eyes with DMI. Regarding safety, single and multiple eye injection doses were well tolerated, Quan Dong Nguyen, MD, MSc, said at Clinical Trials at the Summit.

Based on these findings, BI 764524 is moving forward in the phase 2b CRIMSON study, an international study looking at the effects of BI 764524 in patients with moderately severe to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (the early stage of diabetic retinopathy), Nguyen said. For more information on the CRIMSON trial, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06321302 or contact Boehringer Ingelheim by calling 1-800-243-0127 or emailing clintriage.rdg@boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Edited by Miriam Kaplan, PhD

Source: Michela Cimberle, Healio Ocular Surgery News, July 17, 2024; see source article