Endogena to bring second drug candidate into clinical trials

Endogena Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech company that discovers and develops first-in-class endogenous regenerative medicines to repair and regenerate tissues and organs. The company’s second drug candidate, EA-2351, is a novel compound for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world, and it has been estimated that almost 9% of the population older than 45 years of age are affected. The “dry” form of AMD is associated with atrophic cell death of the central retina or macula, and it accounts for 80-90% of the total AMD population.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for Endogena's Investigational New Drug (IND) application, paving the way for the company to bring its candidate into the clinical phase. This milestone marks the company's second program to progress into clinical trials, building on the momentum of its ongoing EA 2353 program for retinitis pigmentosa, initiated in July 2022.

EA-2351 and EA-2353 represent distinct approaches, each targeting specific cell populations through different pathways, hinging on their unique chemical structures. While EA-2353 focuses on activating one set of cells in the context of retinitis pigmentosa, EA-2351 centers on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These RPE cells play a pivotal role in regenerating and restoring photoreceptor function.

“Our team is thrilled to have reached yet another significant milestone, and my thanks go to everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to develop yet another potential therapy for a condition with a high unmet medical need, thereby providing hope for patients affected by AMD”, said Matthias Steger, PhD, MBA, CEO of Endogena Therapeutics, expressed. “Many of us will know someone touched by this terrible disease, which makes our work even more pertinent. Our resilience, clear purpose, and the financial support from our shareholders have enabled us to reach this point and will help pave our way to future success.”

(Press release/RAN)