Inflammasome Therapeutics Initiates Clinical Trial for Geographic Atrophy Treatment
Inflammasome Therapeutics has officially dosed the first patient in a pioneering clinical trial aimed at treating geographic atrophy (GA) resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This trial, a first-in-class study for a sustained release implant, is sponsored by the University of Kentucky and is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06164587. It plans to enroll up to five patients suffering from GA.
Understanding Geographic Atrophy
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by the progressive loss of retinal cells, specifically in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This degeneration leads to the formation of atrophic lesions that appear as well-defined areas where the retinal cells have died, causing scotomas or blind spots in the visual field. The condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 50 and is a major cause of vision loss and legal blindness among the elderly.
Novel Drug Delivery System
Participants in the trial will receive a novel, tiny sustained release implant designed to administer the drug K8 directly to the back of the eye. K8, specifically crafted for retinal delivery, is used in conjunction with a specially designed injector system, ensuring targeted drug delivery. This unique approach allows for high therapeutic doses within the eye while keeping the drug levels undetectable in the systemic circulation, as highlighted by Inflammasome.
The Promise of Kamuvudines
“This marks the second trial underway with our Kamuvudines in ophthalmology,” stated Paul Ashton, PhD, President and CEO of Inflammasome Therapeutics. He further explained, “Our Kamuvudines have been shown in preclinical studies to block inflammasome activation caused by multiple toxic pathways–complement, amyloid beta, iron overload, retrotransposons, etc. If we can block inflammasome activation in the clinic, we believe we can have a profound effect on the disease by blocking multiple pathways.”
Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, MD, co-founder of Inflammasome Therapeutics and a leading researcher, has dedicated over a decade to the development of Kamuvudines and understanding their role in inflammasome inhibition, which is increasingly recognized as a key factor in many diseases. His significant findings have been published in notable scientific journals such as Science and Nature, further elucidating the potential of Kamuvudines in medical treatment.
For more in-depth information on Dr. Ambati's research, please refer to his publications:
● Science Article on GA and Kamuvudines
● Nature Article on Inflammasome Activity
