Angitia Biopharmaceuticals has presented promising data from its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of AGA111, a novel therapeutic for spinal fusion procedures, at the 2025 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California on March 12, 2025.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated AGA111, a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 6 (rhBMP6), in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Results showed that treatment with AGA111 led to faster radiographic fusion, higher fusion success rates, and greater improvements in functional outcomes compared to placebo.
"We are honored and excited to present the full dataset from our Phase 1/2 study of AGA111, representing a rare and valuable randomized, placebo-controlled study in the field of orthopedics and spinal fusion," said Willard Dere, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Angitia. "Based on these encouraging results, we are now executing a registrational Phase 3 study of AGA111, which we believe has the potential to significantly accelerate bony fusion and meaningfully improve patient outcomes following spinal fusion surgery."
Study Design and Results
The Phase 1/2 trial enrolled 63 patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) requiring single-level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either placebo, 0.25mg AGA111, or 0.5mg AGA111.
The study utilized an innovative delivery method where AGA111 or placebo was mixed with the patient's own blood (autologous blood) to create a coagulum, which was then administered into the interbody area during TLIF surgery. Notably, no bovine material was used in either the treatment or placebo arms, potentially reducing immunogenic concerns associated with some current therapies.
Blinded adjudicators assessed fusion success using CT scan images and hyperflexion/hyperextension X-rays at months 3, 6, and 12. Functional outcomes were measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and pain visual analog scale (VAS).
The results demonstrated that AGA111 induced more rapid fusion, increased fusion success rate, and improved functional outcomes compared to placebo. These findings suggest that AGA111 could address a significant unmet need in spinal fusion procedures.
Addressing a Significant Clinical Need
Spinal fusion is a widely used surgical treatment for spinal disorders, including degenerative disc disease. Each year, approximately 146,000 patients in China and over 300,000 patients in the US undergo spinal fusion procedures to treat DDD.
The success rate of spinal fusion following surgery has a significant impact on patient outcomes. Although lumbar spinal fusion is a commonly performed procedure, it can result in significant morbidity, including nonunion or pseudarthrosis. Patients with nonunion following spinal fusion surgery are at risk for pain, decreased functional outcomes, and re-operation.
Dr. Dere emphasized that AGA111 could potentially transform the standard of care for these patients by accelerating bone fusion and improving functional outcomes.
AGA111 Mechanism and Development
AGA111 is a recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 6 (rhBMP6) product candidate specifically designed to promote bone fusion and improve functional outcomes in patients undergoing spinal fusion procedures.
The therapeutic works by stimulating bone formation through the BMP signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in bone development and repair. When mixed with autologous blood to create a coagulum and administered during surgery, AGA111 appears to enhance the natural bone healing process.
Based on the positive Phase 1/2 results, Angitia has advanced AGA111 to a registrational Phase 3 study, which is currently enrolling patients. The Phase 3 trial maintains the double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design of the earlier study.
About Angitia Biopharmaceuticals
Angitia Biopharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for serious musculoskeletal diseases. Beyond AGA111 for spinal fusion, the company is currently studying two other biologic product candidates in clinical trials for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).
The company's approach leverages its team's extensive experience and scientific expertise in novel drug development to address key unmet medical needs in the musculoskeletal field.
If approved, AGA111 would join a limited number of biologics available for enhancing spinal fusion procedures, potentially offering surgeons and patients a new option with an improved safety and efficacy profile compared to existing alternatives.
The abstract presented at the AAOS Annual Meeting was entitled, "AGA111, a Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 (rhBMP6), Improved Lumbar Interbody Fusion Success Following Single-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery in a Phase I/II, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study."
