The following transcript has been edited for clarity.
Diana V. Do, MD: I’m with Daniel Chao, MD, PhD, today discussing a novel therapy for diabetic macular edema and retinal vascular diseases. Tell us about this new agent and what potential advantages it might offer.
Daniel Chao, MD, PhD: Thank you so much, Diana. At Surrozen, we’ve developed this molecule called SZN-8141. It combines 2 activities: One is Wnt activation, which is becoming known now as a potential pathway to help repair and restore vasculature, and combining that with the activity of VEGF inhibition in a single molecule (Figure 1). So the idea is that by combining these 2 complementary pathways, perhaps that could improve outcomes for patients in diabetic eye disease.
Dr. Do: That’s exciting. What are the next phases of the clinical trial? When will you go into humans?
Dr. Chao: We’re right on the verge of that. We've finished some nice preclinical experiments showing that the combination can help show superior efficacy [compared with] either monotherapy alone (Figure 2), and we plan to enter [clinical trials] later this year.
Dr. Do: Well, that's exciting news and we look forward to more data in the near future.
Dr. Chao: Thank you, Diana. We look forward to updating the community soon. RP
