Valitor Presents Preclinical Safety Data for Long-Acting Anti-VEGF VLTR-559 in Wet AMD

Valitor has presented new preclinical safety data for VLTR-559, a long-acting anti-VEGF biologic currently in development for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The data were shared at the Ophthalmology Futures Retina Forum and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of VLTR-559 as a potential treatment option in the anti-VEGF landscape.

Overview of VLTR-559 as a Long-Acting Candidate for Wet AMD

VLTR-559 is being developed as a twice-yearly intravitreal therapy for patients with wet AMD. Unlike currently marketed anti-VEGF treatments that require frequent injections and clinical monitoring, VLTR-559 utilizes Valitor’s proprietary Multivalent Polymer (MVP) platform to offer durable suppression of VEGF activity with the goal of reducing treatment burden.

Preclinical Toxicology Study in Non-Human Primates

In a dose-finding toxicology study conducted in non-human primates (NHPs), VLTR-559 demonstrated a strong safety profile at the anticipated clinical dose. According to Valitor, results were comparable to or better than currently approved short-acting anti-VEGF therapies.

Key Observations from the Study

       • No evidence of ocular inflammation in the aqueous chamber

       • Stable intraocular pressure throughout the study duration

       • SPOTS (semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring) showed vitreous cell scores that were equivalent to or improved compared to marketed anti-VEGFs

Preclinical Performance of VLTR-559

Valitor’s preclinical data demonstrated that VLTR-559 persists in ocular tissues three to four times longer than short-acting anti-VEGF therapies, while maintaining potency without compromising safety. The therapy also showed efficacy and tolerability consistent with currently marketed intravitreal treatments.

Dr. Wesley Jackson, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Valitor, highlighted the impact of the findings:

“We are excited to present our most recent in vivo safety data, which build on a series of highly promising results demonstrating VLTR-559 has the capacity to significantly redefine the treatment regimen for wet AMD. A well-tolerated and potent anti-VEGF therapy that is administered only twice a year has the potential to improve long-term outcomes for patients. Additionally, the availability of a longer-acting anti-VEGF can reduce the clinical costs associated with the more frequent doctor visits required by first-generation therapies.”

Valitor is currently advancing VLTR-559 through IND-enabling studies, with the objective of initiating human clinical trials in the near future.