Maria Stadler

Isarna Therapeutics GmbH

Isarna Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company, headquartered in Munich, Germany. Isarna develops ISTH0036, a next-generation antisense to block TGF-beta 2 production, a key molecule in the pathogenesis of retinal disease. Current therapies – approved and pipeline products – mostly target the edema, with several anti-VEGFs approved or in development offering only minor improvements over current SOC. While anti-VEGF is a very effective therapy – it does not stop the disease progression of retinal pathologies like w AMD. Patients progress to late-stage disease despite effective anti-edema therapy – and thus develop fibrosis. TGF-b is a key driver of fibrosis, so blocking the production of this molecule intracellularly, using elaborated antisense molecules, promises to be a game-changer in retina therapy. Animal data show comparable efficacy of ISTH0036 to block neovascularization as anti-VEGF – with the added benefit of suppressing fibrosis. This MOA could be an effective long-term treatment in several retinal pathologies including the blockbuster-indications wAMD, DME, RVO, with a significant upward potential in dry AMD. A Phase 1 study showed excellent safety, Isarna Therapeutics is currently preparing a Phase 2a study in wet AMD and in DME/DR. Isarna is led by a highly experienced management, the COO, Rene Rückert, MD, MBA led at Bayer/Novartis the global development of both approved blockbuster drugs for retinal diseases – Eylea and Lucentis. The CMO, Prof. Marion Munk, MD, PhD is a leading global retina specialist. Isarna is open to discuss future partnering for the development and is seeking investors to finance the clinical development and growth of the company.