ThromboGenics announces publication in Experimental Eye Research of preclinical data supporting therapeutic potential of THR-317 in DR

Press release

Murine form of THR-317 able to reduce inflammation, vascular leakage and fibrosis
in the mouse eye, without triggering a neurodegenerative response.

Leuven, Belgium, 9^th October 2017 - ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for retinal disorders, with a focus on diabetic eye disease, today announced that preclinical data on its THR-317 have been published in Experimental Eye Research.

Experimental Eye Research peer-reviewed ThromboGenics' pre-clinical studies designed to investigate inhibition of placental growth factor (PlGF) as a possible therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). The effect of the murine form of THR-317 was evaluated in various animal models by studying different DR disease hallmarks, including vascular leakage, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and fibrosis.

In its overall conclusion, the authors confirm that the anti-PlGF antibody shared a common pharmacology towards vascular leakage in comparison to VEGF inhibitors which are currently the standard of care for DR.  Anti-PlGF therapy might provide additional benefits in respect to the reduction of inflammation, the absence of a negative impact on the neuroretina, and the inhibition of fibrotic responses after retinal damage, as such supporting its therapeutic potential for treating DR.

The article 'Neutralization of placental growth factor as a novel treatment option in diabetic retinopathy' can be consulted online here.

Patrik De Haes, MD, CEO of ThromboGenics nv, said "We are pleased that our cutting-edge research is being published in the prestigious Experimental Eye Research journal. The published preclinical data show that, the murine form of THR-317 is able to reduce vascular leakage, inflammation and fibrosis in the mouse eye, without triggering a neurodegenerative response. The data further validate the therapeutic potential of THR-317 for treating Diabetic Retinopathy."

ThromboGenics is conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical study evaluating THR-317 (anti-PlGF) for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The trial was initiated in January 2017 and assesses THR-317's activity in subjects with DME.  Study results are expected during Q1 2018.

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About ThromboGenics

ThromboGenics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for eye disease, with a focus on diabetic eye disease. The company's pipeline of disease modifying drug candidates is targeting the key segments of the diabetic eye disease market.

ThromboGenics is conducting a Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating multiple doses of THR-409 (ocriplasmin) to induce a total Posterior Vitreous Detachment in patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR).

ThromboGenics is conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical study evaluating THR- 317, a PlGF inhibitor for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, as a stand-alone or as a combination therapy with anti-VEGF treatments. In addition, THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, which has resulted from research collaboration with Bicycle Therapeutics, and THR-687, an integrin antagonist, which was in-licensed from Galapagos, are in late stage pre-clinical development.

ThromboGenics pioneered a new drug category of pharmacological vitreolysis with JETREA® (ocriplasmin) which is now approved for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular traction in 54 countries worldwide. 

ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the NYSE Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol THR.  More information is available at www.thrombogenics.com

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report.

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