Anabasis: Eyeing NGF

Anabasis s.r.l. is developing an ophthalmic formulation of nerve growth factor, which could become the first disease-modifying treatment for neurotrophic keratitis, dry eye and glaucoma.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a secreted protein that stimulates the growth and survival of neurons, and has been proposed as a therapeutic for many neurological diseases. But the most advanced trial of NGF took place over a decade ago, when an injectable formulation from Genentech Inc. and Roche failed a Phase III trial to treat symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (see BioCentury, April 12, 1999)...