The patent covers methods used to create new treatments such as Evizon (squalamine lactate), squalamine and trodusquemine. These compounds have been identified as anti-angiogenic agents, antibiotics and sodium hydrogen anti-porter (NHE) inhibitors. Patent expiry will occur in April 2021.
Genaera’s lead product candidate, Evizon, is currently in phase III development for the treatment of ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Squalamine is in phase II development in prostate cancer while trodusquemine is a preclinical compound that may be useful as a treatment for obesity.
Evison is a unique first-in-class synthetic small molecule administered systemically that directly interrupts and reverses multiple facets of the angiogenic process. Working within activated endothelial cells, squalamine inhibits growth factor signaling and reverses cytoskeletal formation, thereby resulting in endothelial cell inactivation and apoptosis.
Additional aminosterol compounds have demonstrated sufficient efficacy in preclinical models to encourage Genaera to pursue further research that could lead to the development of a new treatment for inflammatory disorders.