Drug Design, Development and Therapy (Nov 2019)
Comparing The Efficacy Of An Anti-Human VEGF-A Neutralizing Antibody Versus Bevacizumab On A Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) Rhesus Monkey Model
Abstract
Oscar Olvera-Montaño,1 Leopoldo Baiza-Duran,1 Juan D Quintana-Hau,2 Mayra G Quiñonez-Alvarado,2 Wen Zeng,3 Li Gong,3 Patricia Muñoz-Villegas1 1Clinical Research Department, Laboratorios Sophia, SA De CV, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico; 2Research and Development Department (CIS), Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico; 3Sichuan Primed Shines Bio-Tech Co, Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Patricia Muñoz-VillegasLaboratorios Sophia, SA de CV, Paseo del Norte 5255, Guadalajara Technology Park, Zapopan 45010, Jalisco, MexicoTel +52 3301 4200, Ext: 1018Fax +52 3301 4200Email [email protected]: To evaluate the efficacy of a therapy on improving characteristics of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) via single intravitreal injection of a humanized anti-human VEGF monoclonal antibody (PRO-169) versus bevacizumab in a rhesus monkey model.Methods: To induce experimental CNV, small high-energy laser spots were used to treat several areas, around the macula in the retinas of monkeys at Day −21. Eighteen rhesus monkeys were used for CNV induction. The efficacy endpoints were fluorescein leakage by FFA and retinal thickness by OCT. FFA examinations were performed 19 days after induction. Appropriate animals were enrolled for treatment and randomly divided into 3 groups: bevacizumab (n=5, 7 eyes), PRO-169 (n=5, 7 eyes), and vehicle controls (n=4, 7 eyes).Results: In 25 of 36 (69.4%) eyes, CNV lesions were identified. The average percent change of retinal thickness in the eyes of bevacizumab group was −159.3±62.2% and −154.0±45.1% (p<0.01 vs Vehicle) at Day 14 and Day 28, respectively; in the eyes of PRO-169 group it was −131.6±68.7% and −131.5±63.8% (p<0.01 vs Vehicle), respectively. The average percent change of leakage area in the eyes of bevacizumab group was −75.3±49.4% and −78.0±42.6% (p<0.01 vs Vehicle) at Day 14 and Day 28, respectively; in the eyes of PRO-169 group it was −82.0±19.3% and −81.4±21.0% (p<0.01 vs Vehicle), respectively. There were no abnormalities found in behavior, skin and hair, excretion and overall eye appearance before and after treatment in all groups.Conclusion: After photocoagulation, the eyes enrolled in this studio showed CNV related characteristics including increased retinal thickness, and fluorescein leakage at laser spots. PRO-169 (1.25 mg per eye) can reduce the retinal thickness and fluorescein leakage area after treatment for 14 and 28 days in this rhesus monkeys model, without toxic effect or adverse events. These findings suggested that PRO-169 can inhibit CNV.Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, monoclonal antibodies, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography
