Panoptes Pharma Ges.m.b.H, a biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule based therapies for the treatment of severe eye diseases, today announced that treatment with PP-001 significantly inhibits abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye (choroidal neovascularization) in an animal model for autoimmune uveitis. Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is mediated by the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by PP-001. CNV is one of the most severe causes of visual impairment in patients with posterior uveitis.
“We were excited when we saw the new data. PP-001 is one of the most promising compounds in development to treat autoimmune uveitis. We have shown previously that local treatment with PP-001 can control relapses of uveitis and now we discovered that PP-001 also inhibits choroidal neovascularization in a relevant animal model. Since CNV is the common symptom of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) the new data suggest that PP-001 can also be used to treat AMD. We will explore this potential of PP-001 in AMD in the near future” commented Dr. Franz Obermayr, CEO of Panoptes.
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory and often chronic disease of the eye affecting the uvea, the middle, pigmented layer of the eye. Posterior uveitis, affecting the back of the eye, is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world and the fourth leading cause in the western world.
AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a medical condition that usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. The form of wet AMD is characterized by vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth (choroidal neovascularization). AMD is one of the most severe and most frequent sight threatening diseases and it affects up to 10 million patients in the USA alone.
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement applies only on the date of this press release. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may or may not occur in the future and as a result of which the actual results and performance may differ substantially from the expected future results or performance expressed or implied in the forward looking statements. No warranties or representations are made as to the accuracy, achievement or reasonableness of such statements, estimates or projections, and Panoptes Pharma Ges.m.b.H. has no obligation to update any such information or to correct any inaccuracies herein or omission herefrom which may become apparent.
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Panoptes Pharma is funded by LISA Seedfinancing administered by aws on behalf of the Austrian Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth (BMWFJ).