Key points from article :
Elamipretide (MTP-131; Stealth BioTherapeutics Inc) was developed to treat atrophy in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The changes in mitochondrial function and shapes due to damage of the phospholipid cardiolipin leads to apoptosis in AMD.
“This drug binds to the cardiolipin to stabilize the inner mitochondrial membrane structure, and allowing it to resume normal function. Thus this, offers promising treatment for geographic atrophy (GA)” says Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston in Massachusetts.
The phase 1 ReCLAIM study (NCT03891875) shows the safety of elamipretide for treating intermediate AMD and GA.
Scott Cousins of Duke University, designed this study focusing on patients with noncentral GA.
The phase 2 ReCLAIM study is evaluating patients. Currently placebo-controlled trial is ongoing. The results are expected to be in 2022.
Dr. Heier presented this update at the Bascom Palmer Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration 2021 virtual conference.
