Cognition Therapeutics presented preclinical data at ARVO demonstrating the potential of zervimesine (CT1812) to protect retinal cells from damage associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). The research suggests zervimesine supports retinal cell health by regulating lipid intake and protecting against the buildup of oxidized lipids, a key factor in dry AMD progression. This builds upon prior clinical findings where zervimesine slowed the growth of geographic atrophy lesions in a Phase 2 trial.
This research strengthens the therapeutic potential of zervimesine in dry AMD. It provides further mechanistic insights into how the drug interacts with retinal cells, specifically its role in lipid regulation, a critical process disrupted in this disease. This deeper understanding of zervimesine’s action may encourage further investigation and development of the drug as a potential treatment option for this debilitating eye condition. The findings also offer hope to patients suffering from dry AMD, a leading cause of vision loss, for which there are currently limited treatment options.
Two posters presented at ARVO detailed the preclinical findings. One illustrated how zervimesine’s target, the sigma-2 receptor, regulates the ability of retinal cells to take in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a crucial fuel source compromised in dry AMD. The other showcased the drug’s protective effect against the accumulation of oxidized lipids and the formation of drusen, a hallmark of the disease believed to contribute to retinal cell damage. These preclinical results complement the positive Phase 2 clinical trial data where zervimesine slowed the rate of geographic atrophy lesion growth by 28.6% compared to placebo.
The convergence of preclinical and clinical evidence positions zervimesine as a promising therapeutic candidate for dry AMD. Further research will be crucial to validate these findings and explore the drug’s long-term efficacy and safety profile. This research holds significant promise for advancing the treatment landscape of dry AMD and potentially offering a much-needed therapeutic option for patients facing irreversible vision loss.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
