QBioMed Inc (OTCMKTS:QBIO) on Wednesday announced that it is extending its option agreement with Washington University in St Louis to allow for further analysis of GDF-15 as a biomarker for monitoring glaucoma.
The researchers are evaluating GDF-15 both as a biomarker for glaucoma as well as to see how well it works as a companion diagnostic with QBioMed’s Man-01, a small-molecule drug that comes in the form of an eyedrop for glaucoma sufferers.
The university's Arsham Sheybani, assistant professor of ophthalmology, and Rajendra Apte, a Paul Cibis distinguished professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, will conduct a new study using GDF-15 to gather more clinical data on its worth as a biomarker for monitoring glaucoma.
“We are very pleased to be taking this project one step further,” said Denis Corin, QBioMed’s CEO, in a statement. “This GDF-15 diagnostic, combined with our MAN-01 drug to treat glaucoma, will be a powerful combination: improving the decision-making tools for clinicians, while making a positive impact on the health of glaucoma patients.”
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In the study, the investigators will examine whether GDF-15 levels correlate with the severity of glaucoma and with adequate therapeutic responses in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery. The Washington University team’s study will also assess increased pressure inside the eye, which contributes to vision loss, as measured before glaucoma surgery and after it is completed.
The independent studies will provide insights into the role of GDF-15 that will aid future clinical studies.
Patients with primary open angle glaucoma are seeking new medications, which stop or at least slow down their progressive loss of vision. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, estimated to affect nearly 100 million people by 2020.
Molecular markers like GDF15 predict or measure neurodegeneration in glaucoma.
Contact Ellen Kelleher at ellen@proactiveinvestors.com