JW Pharmaceutical presented new possible treatments for ophthalmic diseases at the American Association for Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO 2024) conference held in Seattle, Washington. The conference was held for 5 days, starting from May 5th.
According to JW Pharmaceutical on May 9th, the preclinical results of the H4R antagonist currently under development were presented as a poster at the conference.
The H4R antagonist selectively binds to the H4R, the fourth receptor of histamine, blocking the activity and movement of immune cells. It also has a dual mechanism that suppresses signal transmission that causes itching.
Based on the characteristics of the histamine H4R antagonist, JW Pharmaceutical is continuously reviewing the possibility of developing it as a treatment for ophthalmic diseases. The preclinical study, which targeted diabetic retinopathy as the target disease, was conducted for about two years from 2022 in collaboration with Kim Jeong Hun, a Professor at Seoul National University Hospital’s Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
The study involved administering the drug orally to mice (lab rats) induced with diabetes for 4 and 16 weeks. It observed pericytes and astrocytes, which are crucial in maintaining the function and shape of retinal capillaries. The study also measured changes in the leakage of blood components (retinal vascular leakage) resulting from vascular damage.
The study results showed a decrease in retinal vascular leakage increased by diabetes in both the 4-week and 16-week administration groups. Damaged astrocytes around the vessels recovered, and pericytes damaged in the later stages of the disease showed signs of recovery in the 16-week administration group.
Compared to existing eye drops, the company expects that this orally administered medication will minimize retinal damage and infection risks.
JW Pharmaceutical plans to develop the H4R antagonist drug candidate as a treatment for diabetic retinopathy in the future.