Oct 29, 2019

Iveric Bio’s Therapy Slows Retinal Degeneration in Phase 2b Trial for Dry AMD

Research News

Zimura inhibits a complement protein known as C5, a component of the immune system that, when overactive, can cause retinal degeneration.

Zimura®, an emerging therapy for people with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), slowed progression of geographic atrophy, the lesions signifying retinal degeneration and potentially vision loss, in a Phase 2b clinical trial. Results were reported after 12 months of treatment. Patients will be treated in the Phase 2b for a total of 18 months.

The growth of GA lesions was 27.38 percent less for the 67 patients receiving monthly intravitreal injections of Zimura 2 mg than for the 110 patients receiving the control (sham treatment). Lesion growth was 27.81 percent less for the 83 patients receiving Zimura 4 mg than the 84 patients in the control group. Also, the treatment was generally well tolerated.

Developed by Iveric bio, Zimura is a C5 complement inhibitor. An overactive complement system has been implicated in the development of retinal conditions such as AMD and Stargardt disease. The complement system is a part of the immune system that normally protects the body from harmful, invading bacteria. However, it can also attack healthy cells leading to vision-robbing retinal diseases and other conditions. Zimura blocks a complement protein known as C5. In lab studies, inhibiting C5 prevented retinal degeneration.

Zimura is also in Phase 2 clinical trial for people with Stargardt disease.

“We are pleased to see these encouraging results for the Zimura clinical trial, given there are no therapies for advanced dry AMD,” says Brian Mansfield, PhD, vice president of research, interim chief scientific officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “We look forward to additional reports  from the Zimura clinical trial at the 18-month milestone.”