Early Phase Study Supports Potential Geographic Atrophy Treatment

This article is part of Ophthalmology Advisor’s Focus on Retina coverage from the 2021 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, held in New Orleans from November 12 to 15, 2021. The team at Ophthalmology Advisor will be reporting on a variety of the research presented by the retinal experts at the AAO. Check back for more from the AAO 2021 Meeting.

IVT ANX007, an antibody fragment that targets C1q, initiator of the classical complement cascade, shows potential for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), according to data being presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans from November 12 to November 15.

Researchers assessed free ANX007 and C1q after single and repeat doses (0, 1, 2.5, 5 mg) in cynomolgus monkeys. Phase 1a single dose-escalation studies (1, 2.5, 5 mg), a phase 1b repeat dose (Days 1 and 29), and a double-masked, randomized study (sham, 2.5, 5 mg) also evaluated the use of ANX007 to treat glaucoma.

All doses of ANX007 were well tolerated in animal studies and vitreous ANX007 levels were detectable up to a month for all doses measured. Researchers reported that after 2 monthly 5-mg doses of ANX007, C1q was still engaged at 1 month following the last dose in the retina and choroid. In phase 1 studies, ANX007 was also well tolerated and investigators reported full C1q engagement in aqueous humor 28 days after 2.5 as well as 5 mg doses.

“Data supports evaluation of ANX007 for treatment of GA,” researchers concluded.

Reference

Boyer DS, Sun Y, Wirta DL, Goldberg JL, Mathur V, Keswani S. Evaluating Intravitreal ANX007, a Novel C1q Inhibitor, in the Treatment of GA Secondary to AMD: The ARCHER Study. Paper presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 Annual Meeting; November 12-15, 2021; New Orleans. Abstract PA046.

Reference

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