
One class of drugs used off-label to treat DME target VEGF or vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF is produced in excessive amounts in people with diabetes. This is why doctors have used anti-VEGF drugs or VEGF inhibitors (Avastin, Lucentis, Macugen) to treat this condition. However a significant proportion of DME patients do not respond to VEGF treatment.
Plasma kallikrein negatively impacts the vessels of the eye differently than VEGF. KalVista’s scientific founders have published research that shows the plasma kallikrein is elevated in patients with DME. The idea of a plasma kallikrein inhibitor may provide a new therapeutic opportunity to reduce retinal vascular permeability causing DME. This may be a valid reason as to why a significant proportion of DME patients don’t respond well to anti-VEGF or VEGF inhibitors intraocular injections.
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