InMed's INM-089 Shows Potential in Treating Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
TL;DR
InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. may have a solution for AMD with its ocular program for AMD, potentially giving them an advantage in the market.
INM-089, a small molecule compound, demonstrates neuroprotection of photoreceptors and improves retinal function, making it a promising drug candidate for AMD.
InMed's research into cannabinoids and AMD could lead to better treatments, potentially improving the lives of millions of older adults suffering from this disease.
InMed's INM-089 may be more effective in treating dry AMD than wet AMD, making it an important candidate for Geographic Atrophy, a key finding in the fight against AMD.
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InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: INM) has revealed promising data for its cannabinoid analog INM-089 in treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an ocular disease increasingly affecting the aging population. AMD is a significant cause of severe vision loss in adults over 50, with 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and older afflicted by it. As the disease progresses, patients may struggle to see faces, read small print, and even drive.
Current treatments for AMD primarily focus on symptom control rather than addressing the underlying causes. However, InMed's INM-089 aims to change that by leveraging the neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids. Neuroprotection is essential for preserving nerve cells in the eyes, potentially slowing or reversing the damage caused by AMD.
Studies of INM-089, a small molecule compound, demonstrated its ability to protect the nerve cells in the retina, showcasing its therapeutic potential for AMD. These small molecules can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, making INM-089 a promising candidate for pharmaceutical use.
Results from several in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that INM-089 provides neuroprotection of photoreceptors, improves photoreceptor function, and enhances the integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Additionally, it preserves retinal function and improves the thickness of the outer nuclear layer of the retina. These findings address the significant unmet medical need for neuroprotection in AMD treatment.
More recently, a proof-of-concept study suggested that INM-089 may be particularly effective in treating dry AMD compared to wet AMD. Dry AMD accounts for 85% to 90% of all AMD cases and is characterized by the accumulation of waste proteins and lipids due to poor circulation and waste flushing in the eye. The advanced stage of dry AMD, known as Geographic Atrophy (GA), affects approximately five million patients globally, with prevalence projected to rise to 18.5 million cases by 2040 as the population ages.
Dr. Eric Hsu, SVP of preclinical research and development at InMed, expressed optimism about the recent preclinical studies demonstrating significant functional and pathological improvements from INM-089. He noted the limited efficacy and potential side effects of current treatment options, highlighting the opportunity for INM-089 to slow the progression of this chronic disease.
InMed has engaged a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) to assist in scaling up the manufacturing process for the active pharmaceutical ingredient of INM-089. Concurrently, the company is developing drug product formulations to support the next stages of development. Additional preclinical activities are ongoing to further understand the mechanism of action, including receptor interactions and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies, all aimed at eventual commercialization of INM-089.
As the global population ages, the incidence of AMD is set to increase, posing significant challenges due to the lack of a cure and the debilitating effects of the disease. InMed's advancements with INM-089 offer a potential new treatment pathway, bringing hope to millions of older adults suffering from AMD.
Curated from News Direct
