We are proud to announce that CBT-004, a potential first-in-class drug for vascularised pinguecula, has completed the first patient-in for Phase 2 clinical trials in December 2023 in the US.
Pinguecula is a round, yellowish, elevated tissue that develops on the conjunctiva adjacent to the cornea. Cumulative exposure to UV light is the main cause of pinguecula. In general, an asymptomatic pinguecula requires no treatment, but its yellowish and raised contour can cause mechanical or poor tear film-related ocular surface irritation. When the lesion becomes vascularised and/or inflamed, it may lead to symptoms of ocular hyperaemia, discomfort, pain, foreign body sensation, tearing, and itching.
According to the Frost & Sullivan report, there is currently no approved drug therapy for the treatment of vascularised pinguecula globally. However, globally, the patient population of vascularised pinguecula reached 1,149.6 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 1.2% from 2018 to 2022. It is estimated to reach 1,217.1 million in 2027 and 1,283.8 million in 2032, respectively, representing a CAGR of 1.1% from 2022 to 2027 and 1.1% from 2027 to 2032, respectively.
CBT-004 is a potential global first-in-class ocular drug of multi-kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and platelet derived growth factor receptors.