Therapeutics: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (FLT1; VEGFR-1); neuropilin 1 (NRP1)

Animal studies suggest local delivery of a small cyclic peptidomimetic inhibitor of FLT1 and NRP1 could help treat AMD and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In a monkey model of AMD, an eye drop formulation of vasotide - a pentameric, retro-inverted peptidomimetic inhibitor of FLT1 and NRP1 - decreased markers of disease, including tissue infiltration by inflammatory macrophages and granulocytes, compared with vehicle. In a mouse model of ROP, the eye drop formulation decreased retinal angiogenesis compared with an eye drop formulation of an inactive control peptide. Next steps in collaboration with AMP Pharm LLC include clinical testing of vasotide delivered via eye drops or self-dissolving contact lenses...