Pieris validates the use of Anticalins as ophthalmologic biotherapeutics
Pieris AG announced successful completion of a series of preclinical studies validating the use of Anticalins® in ophthalmologic disease. The studies reported by Pieris relate to PRS-055, an Anticalin® specific for VEGF. VEGF is a key factor in the regulation of neovascular permeability and is implicated in debilitating eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Intravitreal injection of PRS-055 has been shown to inhibit VEGF-induced breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier in a rabbit in vivo model. The antagonistic effect of PRS-055 has been shown to be of equivalent potency to that of the approved ophthalmology product Lucentis® (ranibizumab; Genentech / Novartis).
"These exciting results have demonstrated that Anticalins® are viable candidates as potent biotherapeutics for diseases of the eye" said Dr Andreas Hohlbaum, Director of Science and Preclinical Development of Pieris. "Based on the success of the PRS-055 program to date, we are now selecting technologies for depot and/or noninvasive drug delivery that will exploit the favorable size and excellent stability characteristics of Anticalins®."
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