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Perfuse Therapeutics Showcases Transformative Data from Clinical Trials on PER-001 in Glaucoma Patients

Perfuse Therapeutics, a trailblazer in the field of biopharmaceuticals, has recently disclosed promising results from its completed Phase 1/2a clinical trials for its innovative treatment, PER-001, aimed at addressing glaucoma—a primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The findings shared at the prestigious Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Meeting highlight the drug's efficacy in not only enhancing visual function but also improving the anatomical structure of the eye.

The data revealed that a single administration of the PER-001 intravitreal implant significantly improved both ocular blood flow and visual capabilities in patients with advanced glaucoma over a 24-week period. This groundbreaking trial involved patients already undergoing standard intraocular pressure (IOP) treatments, further solidifying the potential of PER-001 as a leading candidate in the quest for effective glaucoma management.

Dr. Sevgi Gurkan, the CEO and founder of Perfuse Therapeutics, expressed optimism regarding the trial results, emphasizing the company’s commitment to developing a disease-modifying treatment for a condition that lacks approved therapies. “Our mission is to significantly alter the course of glaucoma treatment,” Gurkan said. “Given the success seen with PER-001 in enhancing patient vision, we are eager to advance toward the next phases of clinical trials.”

The Phase 1/2a Study Details

The Phase 1/2a trial comprised two segments designed to thoroughly assess the safety and tolerability of the PER-001 implant. Initial findings from the first part of the study, which included six advanced glaucoma patients, demonstrated that the administration of the drug was both safe and well-tolerated. Following the promising safety outcomes, the second segment of the trial, involving a larger patient group, further evaluated the low and high doses of the drug against a control group receiving a sham treatment.

The results indicate that patients receiving the PER-001 implant experienced statistically significant improvements in ocular health metrics compared to those in the control group. Notably, the trial monitored various parameters including visual field sensitivity and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, both key indicators of glaucoma progression.

Safety and Tolerability

Throughout the twenty-four weeks of monitoring, the safety profile of PER-001 proved satisfactory, with only mild and transient adverse events reported, mainly comprising of vitreous floaters. Importantly, no serious complications, such as intraocular inflammation or endophthalmitis, were observed, maintaining a stable course for patients under existing IOP-lowering treatments. Dr. Steven Mansberger, a prominent figure in the study, noted the