In a recent press release, biopharmaceutical company Akari Therapeutics (“Akari”) announced the publication of data on intravitreal nomacopan for patients with autoimmune uveitis. The data was sourced from a 2-year research study, during which time Akari collaborated with the University College of London Institute of Ophthalmology. Within this study, researchers identified Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) as playing a role in the pathophysiology of this retinal condition. Read the full findings published in the American Journal of Pathology.
Nomacopan
Typically, treatments for uveitis and other conditions causing retinal degeneration are treated using steroids. However, this treatment method can be damaging for the eyes, causing cataracts or edema. As a result, researchers are looking to find new therapeutic targets for treatment development. In this specific case, researchers noted that inflammatory cells in uveitis-related retinal tissue was expressing significantly more LTB4 and complement C5 receptors. In the past, complement C5 has been linked to uveitis. The complement system plays a role in immune response and inflammation. However, researchers were unclear on how LTB4 related to uveitis.
According to a chapter in Rheumatology:
Leukotrienes are important AA-derived inflammatory mediators. LTB4 is the most important leukotriene in acute inflammatory responses; it activates leukocytes and prolongs their survival.
In this case, researchers still need to learn exactly how LTB4 supports the pathology of uveitis. However, research did show that C5 and LTB4 levels rise as uveitis progresses. Yet nomacopan showed to be effective in inhibiting disease progression and reducing symptom severity. The therapy is as effective in reducing inflammation as the current standard-of-care.
Uveitis
When inflammation occurs in the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), it is referred to as uveitis. Typically, the uvea helps protect the eye from damage and provides blood to the retina. When damaged or inflamed, uveitis inhibits vision. There are also subsets of uveitis: iritis (affecting the front of the eye), cyclitis (affecting the ciliary body), choroiditis (affecting the retina and/or optic nerve), and pan-uveitis (affecting all parts of the eye). The exact cause of uveitis is unclear; however, it is linked to autoimmune conditions, infection, eye injury or surgery, or toxins. Typically, uveitis most affects individuals between ages 20-60. Symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- “Floaters”
- Vision loss
- Eye redness and pain
Learn more about uveitis.
