Surrozen has submitted an investigational new drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration for SZN-8141, a bifunctional antibody being developed for diabetic macular edema (DME).

SZN-8141 combines Frizzled 4 (FZD4)-mediated Wnt pathway agonism with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition. The approach is intended to reduce vascular leakage while promoting retinal vascular integrity and normal vessel growth.

In preclinical studies, SZN-8141 reduced neovascularization and promoted retinal revascularization to a greater extent than either Wnt agonist or anti-VEGF monotherapy in a rodent model of retinal vascular disease, according to Surrozen. In a rodent model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, the agent also produced greater reductions in vascular leakage than anti-VEGF treatment. Whether these findings will translate to clinical benefit remains to be determined.

If the IND is cleared, Surrozen plans to evaluate SZN-8141 in DUET, a phase 1b/2a trial assessing safety, tolerability, and preliminary biologic and clinical activity in patients with DME. The company expects to initiate the study by the end of 2026, with initial data anticipated in the second half of 2027.

Surrozen is also developing SZN-8141 for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. RP