KalVista has an advanced pre-clinical product pipeline of novel small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors, which it aims to develop as a first-in-class, novel approach for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and is targeting both intravitreal injection and oral administration.

Plasma kallikrein represents an attractive drug target because it is thought to be central to the pathological processes taking place within the diseased retina – inflammation, increased retinal vascular permeability and consequent edema, angiogenesis and haemorrhage – and is not essential for normal function or survival.

In addition, plasma kallikrein inhibition is a VEGF-independent pathway and therefore has the potential to add to the treatment options for sufferers of DME including those that are non-responsive to VEGF inhibitors.

The discovery of KalVista’s small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors is based on more than two decades of experience in serine protease inhibitors and its portfolio is protected by robust IP.

The Company’s discovery and development activities are supported by world leaders in the role of plasma kallikrein inhibitors in DME.