From its extensive library of screening compounds, including the SerTryP™ library of proprietary serine protease inhibitors, KalVista has identified novel plasma kallikrein inhibitors that are effective in relevant pharmacology models.

IVT programme

KalVista’s lead programme is focused on the development of small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors suitable for intravitreal (IVT) dosing and the Company expects its first compound to enter first in human trials in 2012.

IVT plasma kallikrein inhibitors are expected to be efficacious in both improving symptoms of the disease as well as preserving visual acuity and slowing disease progression. Direct injection into the eye couples a high drug concentration at the desired site of action with a low systemic exposure resulting in the potential for a faster pre-clinical development timeline. Furthermore, with the correct formulation, the drug can be retained within the vitreous for a prolonged period, thereby reducing the frequency of administration.

Oral programme

Kalvista is also pursuing orally available plasma kallikrein inhibitors and has already selected two chemical series that have oral drug like properties for further pre-clinical development.

An oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor will provide the opportunity to treat patients earlier in disease development, prevent future disease, decrease physician burden in administration and increase patient acceptability.

An oral drug will also have the potential to broaden the indications to therapeutic areas beyond the eye as plasma kallikrein is associated with other microvascular complications of diabetes such as cerebral haemorrhage.