Molecular Partners AG has started clinical trials of the MP0112 Darpin, which inhibits all relevant forms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) with high potency.
Molecular Partners AG has enrolled the patients in two separate Phase I trials in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).
The trials are investigating the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal injection of MP0112, a Darpin that inhibits all relevant forms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) with high potency.
The studies will also allow a preliminary assessment of efficacy and the duration of action of MP0112.
MP0112 was engineered to have a long ocular half-life but fast systemic clearance.
This means it has the potential to become the best-in-class inhibitor of neovascular diseases of the eye and to reduce the number of intravitreal injections needed as compared with the current approved standard of care.
The need for frequent intravitreal injections is the main limitation of the current approved standard of care for wet AMD.
MP0112 has been optimised to reduce ocular injections to ease the burden on both patients and physician practices.