Kodiak Sciences Reports Positive Vision Gains from Macular Edema Drug.

Kodiak Sciences reported new data showing "meaningful" vision gains from its macular edema drug, tarcocimab. The company's Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate (ABC) Platform is a technology platform for retinal medicines. Tarcocimab is an anti-VEGF antibody biopolymer conjugate under development for diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration. Kodiak is also developing KSI-501, a bispecific antibody biopolymer conjugate targeting IL-6 and VEGF, and KSI-101, an unconjugated bispecific protein targeting IL-6 and VEGF.

Kodiak Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq: KOD) has reported promising new data from its Phase 1b APEX study on KSI-101, a novel investigational therapy for macular edema secondary to inflammation (MESI). The study, presented at the Retina Society's 58th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, showed that KSI-101 achieved clinically meaningful vision gains and rapid retinal drying in patients with MESI.

The APEX study, which included patients with macular edema secondary to inflammation, demonstrated that KSI-101 resulted in a significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal thickness. Specifically, over 60% of patients in the top two dose levels (5 mg and 10 mg) achieved a 3-line or more gain on the eye chart, equivalent to a 15-letter gain. Additionally, a majority of patients achieved resolution of intra-retinal and sub-retinal fluid, with over 90% showing retinal dryness by week 8.

The Phase 3 PEAK and PINNACLE studies, which are currently enrolling patients, will further evaluate KSI-101's efficacy and safety. These studies will test the top two dose levels of KSI-101 in patients with MESI, comparing it to sham treatment. The primary and key secondary endpoints will be evaluated at week 24.

KSI-101 is a bispecific protein targeting interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), making it a potent and high-strength therapy. The company's focus is on continuing the enrollment of patients into the PEAK and PINNACLE studies.

Kodiak Sciences, a precommercial retina-focused biotechnology company, is committed to researching, developing, and commercializing transformative therapeutics. The company's ABC Platform uses molecular engineering to merge protein-based and chemistry-based therapies, and it is developing a portfolio of three late-stage clinical programs, including KSI-101.