Pipeline

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a chronic, progressive condition that tends to occur in the later stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). GA is characterised by the progressive loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.

Ikarovec is using a novel dual-acting gene therapy to treat GA. The therapy, IKC159V, is engineered to be delivered to the back of the eye, where it will transduce target cells and instruct them to secrete two clinically relevant proteins: PEDF and sCD46. This approach combines complement and inflammation targeting with neuroprotection. The proteins act synergistically to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, protect retinal cells from atrophy, and reduce the risk of conversion from GA to the more rapidly progressing wet-AMD.

Ikarovec’s lead therapy for wet-AMD combines a potent anti-VEGF to address leaky blood vessels and improve short term vison with an anti-Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) protein to minimise tissue remodelling and fibrosis.