Integrin receptors play an important role in multiple pathological processes associated with various eye diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Increasing knowledge of the roles integrins play in ocular disease processes has generated interest in the integrin pathway as a therapeutic target. Three agents now in clinical trials are the focus of capitalizing on this knowledge.

This article describes the role integrins have in angiogenesis, inflammation and neovascularization, and discusses the clinical trials of the three investigational drugs targeting the integrin pathway. 

 

Integrins’ structure and function

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that are heterodimers, which means they consist of both α and β subunits. They mediate cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular interactions, the latter in the retinal matrix.1,2 Integrins modulate cell signaling and are involved in various biological pathways. They’ve been implicated in various eye diseases, including cornea neovascularization; glaucoma and dry eye, along with both dry and wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy.3,4

There are four classes of integrin receptors, classified based on how they recognize integrin isoforms (Figure). They are: 

  • functional arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) integrin receptors;
  • collagen integrin receptors;
  • leukocyte-specific integrin receptors; and 
  • laminin integrin receptors. 

They each play a different role in the four primary pathologic processes: angiogenesis;5-10 permeability;10-14 inflammation;10-13,15,16 and fibrosis17-21 (Table, page 30). Multiple RGD integrin receptors have been implicated in the disease processes of wet AMD and DR. For example, targeting specific subunits of RGD, collagen and integrin receptors would effectively target fibrosis, whereas angiogenesis is a function of specific RGD receptors.


Risuteganib

Risuteganib (RSG) is a synthetic, RGD-class peptide that targets the retinal pigment epithelium and the outer retina. It has a molecular weight of 750 Dalton and a very long half-life of 21 days. It is designed to regulate three integrin isoforms identified in the pathological process:

  • αVβ5, which signals angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)-induced astrocyte apoptosis, contributing to vascular leakage in DR;
  • α5β1, a contributor to the angiogenesis pathway that’s different from vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis; and
  • αMβ2, an isoform involved in inflammatory response.

Julie Kornfield, PhD, at the California Institute of Technology, and Peter Campochiaro, MD, at Johns Hopkins University, have reported that RSG downregulates genes associated with five angiogenesis-
related biological processes: 

  1. Integrin-mediated signaling pathway. 
  2. Tube development.
  3. Extracellular matrix organization.
  4. Circulatory system development.
  5. Response to stimulus.

RSG has also been shown to reduce neovascularization in the ischemic retinopathy model. Additionally, Dr. Campochiaro and colleagues have reported that RSG reduced the total area of neovascularization by approximately 87 percent, vs. approximately a 50-percent reduction for aflibercept (Eylea, Regeneron).22 

RSG has also been shown to downregulate gene expression in human immune cells, which have shown a proven immune and inflammatory response, and a response to stimuli. (These integrin receptors become activated only when an insult occurs; otherwise, they don’t have any significant response.)

Glenn Jaffe, MD, and colleagues at Duke Eye Center reported on the protective effects of RSG in cultured human RPE cells.23 Relative growth in cells treated with RSG was 34 percent vs. 18 percent in non-RSG cells; cell viability in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential was 79 percent vs. 46 percent; and 74 percent of cells with RSG exhibited cell viability vs. 42 percent of non-RSG cells.

 


Findings of DEL MAR trial

The DEL MAR Phase II trial has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of RSG in patients with DME. The study reported that previously treated patients on RSG had more robust visual gains compared to treatment-naïve patients, and that a regimen of three monthly injections of RSG was non-inferior to monthly bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech/Roche).

Stage one of the Phase II DEL MAR study evaluated patients on RSG 1 and 3 mg and bevacizumab 1.25 mg monthly for three months. The RSG 1-mg group had better overall results than the other RSG dosing groups. At 20 weeks, the previously treated patients on RSG 1 mg had a more robust response than the treatment-naïve patients, with a mean gain of 20 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters vs. 11. 

In DEL MAR stage 2, overall mean change in ETDRS letters at 20 weeks was similar between the 1.25-mg bevacizu-
mab-only group and the 1.25-mg bevacizumab/1-mg RSG combination group: 6.7 for the former and 7.1 for the latter. 

This stage of the study also showed that the sequence of the drugs was important. Patients first given bevacizumab and then given three injections of RSG had a more profound response than those given the drugs simultaneously. This applied in both the previously treated (24-letter gain) and the treatment-naïve (17-letter gain) groups, with no improvement in the simultaneously dosed patients. The Phase II study of RSG for dry AMD is ongoing.

 


Topical SF0166

SF0166 (SciFluor Life Sciences) is a selective, small-molecule inhibitor applied topically. It inhibits the RGD integrin receptor αVβ3, a non-fluorinated factor in angiogenesis. The fluorinated molecule structure of SF0166 enables it to penetrate the sclera and allows broad distribution of the drug. SF0166 has been found in high concentrations in the sclera and retina-choroid plexus for at least 12 hours after administration.24 

Preclinical studies have shown SF0166 reduces VEGF-induced vascular leakage comparably to bevacizumab.25 Results of a Phase I/II trial in patients with DME have so far shown no corneal toxicity or other drug-related serious adverse events. The study has also found measurable changes in central subfield thickness (CST) after treatment in both the 2.5% and 5% SF0166 treatment groups. At the end of treatment on day 28, 10 of 35 subjects showed decreases in CST, but at the end of the study on day 56, 19 of 38 subjects showed a decrease in CST. This illustrates a trend toward increased anatomic response from day 28 to day 56 of treatment. Of note: The trial has found no overall change in visual acuity and no correlation between CST and BCVA changes.

The safety profile coupled with evidence of biological activity warrants further study of SF0166 in Phase II trials investigating expansion of the dose range, as well as treatment and follow-up periods.

 

THR-687

THR-687 (Oxurion) is a highly potent, small-molecule pan-RGD integrin antagonist. In preclinical study, it has been shown to inhibit endothelial cell migration, which is involved in angiogenesis.26 Extensive toxicology and safety pharmacology studies indicate a good safety profile for this drug. It has broad therapeutic potential for treating DR with or without DME, wet AMD and anti-VEGF nonresponders. The first patient in a Phase I trial for treatment of DME has been enrolled. RS

 

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25. SciFluor Life Sciences. Data on file.

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