Filamon Receives $2.4M Grant from Australian Government for Wet AMD Therapy

Filamon Limited, an Australian biotechnology company specializing in Deep Learning Drug Design (DLDD), has received significant support from the Federal Government to further its research efforts.

Through a A$2.4 million grant from the Department of Industry Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRCP) Grant scheme, Filamon aims to expedite the development of a new treatment targeting age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The focus of Filamon's research lies in the molecule BT2, which offers several potential advantages over current treatments for AMD. Notably, BT2 targets multiple key genes associated with wet AMD, a departure from existing therapies that primarily address a single disease component. Animal studies have shown promising results, suggesting that BT2 may offer a more comprehensive blockade of disease progression.

Another notable aspect of BT2 is its suitability for topical delivery. Unlike the large molecule drugs currently used, BT2's small molecular size makes it a candidate for eyedrop formulations. This presents the possibility of a less invasive and more convenient treatment method for patients.

Furthermore, BT2 boasts potential cost-effectiveness benefits due to lower manufacturing costs compared to existing drugs. This could have implications for improving accessibility to treatment, particularly in regions where healthcare resources are limited.

Filamon's collaboration with institutions such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australian drug designer MedChemSoft Solutions, and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia underscores the collaborative nature of the research effort.