Preclinical and clinical evaluation of systemic danegaptide for the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Sci Transl MedSep 23, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOphthalmology
Natalie Hudson, Gergő Porkoláb, Jeffrey O'Callaghan et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This phase 1b clinical trial evaluated the safety and early efficacy of danegaptide, an oral medication, in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and mild center-involved macular edema. The study found no serious adverse events related to danegaptide, suggesting it is a safe option for this population. The drug improved inner blood-retina barrier function and modulated VEGF activity.
Key findings
- Danegaptide improved inner blood-retina barrier function through a connexin-43 mechanism.
- No serious adverse events related to oral danegaptide were reported in 24 patients.
- Danegaptide attenuated VEGF-induced suppression of TNFSF15 in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that danegaptide may offer a non-invasive treatment alternative for patients with NPDR, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes compared to current injection-based therapies.