Positive phase I results for anti-PDFG plus anti-VEGF combo therapy of wet AMD

Positive results of a phase 1 clinical study evaluating E10030, an anti-platelet derived growth factor (anti-PDGF) agent, in conjunction with an anti-VEGF agent to treat wet AMD were reported at the 2009 ARVO meeting. 59% percent of patients treated with anti-PDGF/anti-VEGF combination therapy gained significant vision (3-line gain) at week 12 after therapy. 100% of treated patients demonstrated neovascular regression. E10030 was well tolerated with no evidence of drug-related adverse events. Anti-VEGF monotherapy results in 3-line visual gain in approximately one third of patients and without significant neovascular regression. "Marked neovascular regression, a first in any study, with an outstanding level of visual gain, is very promising for our patients," said Dr. Lawrence J. Singerman of Case Western Reserve University. E10030 is an aptamer targeting PDGF, a key molecule involved in the recruitment and maturation of pericytes. Pericytes in neovascular tissue have been shown to be protective and play a major role in anti-VEGF treatment resistance. E10030 strips the pericytes from the neovascular tissue rendering it highly sensitive to an anti-VEGF attack.