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Aerpio completes phase 1b/2a study of novel DME agent

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Aerpio Therapeutics has completed a phase 1b/2a study of a novel drug for diabetic macular edema, according to a press release.

AKB-9778 is an inhibitor of human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta that works to activate Tie2, a receptor on vascular endothelial cells that stabilizes blood vessels, preventing abnormal blood vessel growth and vascular leak, the release said.

The 28-day study of 24 DME patients determined that AKB-9778 was well tolerated throughout dosing and produced meaningful changes in retinal thickness and vision gain in some patients.

Aerpio also announced the closing of a $9 million extension to the $27 million Series A funding raised in 2012. Proceeds will support ongoing development of AKB-9778, including a phase 2 study to confirm monotherapy efficacy, set to begin in early 2014. Adjunctive efficacy of AKB-9778 with a VEGF inhibitor in DME patients will also be explored, the release said.