Novel Biodegradable Injectable Rod for Improved AMD Therapy

ABSTRACT Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older adults with the neovascular form of the disease (NVAMD) mainly responsible for severe vision loss. Current NVAMD treatments involve repeated intraocular injections of biologics that neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important NV stimulus. Aflibercept, approved in late 2011, provides an incremental benefit over ranibizumab and bevacizumab, as it may reduce injection frequency to every 2 months, from the monthly treatment regimen recommended for the other anti-VEGF agents. However, intraocular injection frequencies of 6-12 times a year remain a major burden on patients and health care providers. GrayBug is developing a novel, long-lasting, fully biodegradable drug-polymer conjugate injectable rod for AMD envisioned to require infrequent administration and improve treatment efficacy. The drug-polymer conjugate has a unique mechanism of action, the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-reg