Circadian Technologies: Study finds cancer compound VGX-100 could be new therapy for Dry Eye Disease

Circadian Technologies' (ASX: CIR, OTCQX: CKDXY) lead development molecule VGX-100, could significantly reduce inflammation and corneal tissue damage associated with Dry Eye Disease (DED).

A study led by Professor Reza Dana and Dr. Sunali Goyal of the Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology has indicated reduced inflammation and corneal epitheliopathy in a mouse model of DED.

The market for DED is a potentially significant in both Australia and the U.S and would represent a potential new market segment. 

DED is a complex, immune-mediated disorder of the ocular surface that has multiple causes and affects about 5 million Americans above the age of 50 years. It is estimated that 10% of Australians will suffer from the condition at some point in their lives.

The findings come from data published in the scientific journal Archives of Ophthalmology generated by investigators at The Schepens Eye Research Institute.

Prof Reza Dana, Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director of Research at Schepens Eye Research Institute and senior author of the study said "Dry Eye Disease is suffered by millions of people in the U.S but current treatments have significant limitations, and effective treatments are not available for many patients.

"This current study builds on our previous findings demonstrating that VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 are upregulated in DED corneas, and demonstrates for the first time that an anti-lymphatic effect, caused by the blockade of VEGF-C, has significant beneficial effects in treating the condition. We strongly believe that blocking lymphangiogenic molecules could become a major new paradigm for the treatment of DED”.

DED severely impacts the vision-related quality of life and the symptoms, including persistent dryness, burning, light sensitivity, pain and blurred vision, can be both psychologically and physically debilitating.

The current therapeutic options for DED are limited and mostly palliative. Currently, topical cyclosporine-A is the only approved treatment for DED.

Robert Klupacs, Circadian Technologies' CEO, said “we have always believed that blockade of VEGF-C will have clinical utility in a variety of conditions, in addition to treating solid tumours.

"This very exciting data generated by our collaborators at Schepens offers significant opportunities for us to leverage our investment in the VGX-100 oncology program and undertake additional preclinical and clinical development activities for VGX-100 in DED, a disease which still remains extremely difficult to treat”.

Circadian’s wholly owned subsidiary, Vegenics Pty Ltd, owns worldwide rights to an extensive intellectual property portfolio covering the angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis targets VEGFC, VEGF-D and the receptor protein VEGFR-3.

Vegenics has also been granted exclusive worldwide rights to intellectual property filed by Schepens Eye Research Institute covering the use of anti-lymphangiogenc molecules for the treatment of DED.

Circadian will undertake additional preclinical and clinical development activities for VGX-100 in DED.

Originally published at: http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/19553/circadian-technologies-study-finds-cancer-compound-vgx-100-could-be-new-therapy-for-dry-eye-disease-19553.html