Oral Danegaptide Shows Promise Against Diabetic Retinopathy

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin and Breye Therapeutics tested the oral drug Danegaptide for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy: in preclinical models it reduced retinal vessel leakage and edema, and in a Phase Ib trial of 24 patients it was safe and well-tolerated, with 55% showing early signs of biological activity.

• In Phase Ib, 55% of 24 NPDR patients showed signs of biological activity
• In preclinical models, effects were comparable to anti-VEGF injections
• Diabetic retinopathy affects about 30% of people with diabetes
• The team calls for larger Phase II trials