Zervimesine Shows Promise in Dry AMD Treatment with Positive Phase 2 Data

Key Insights

• Cognition Therapeutics' oral drug candidate zervimesine (CT1812) demonstrates potential in treating dry AMD, with Phase 2 MAGNIFY trial data showing slower lesion growth rates compared to placebo.
• Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from Alzheimer's disease trials reveals zervimesine's ability to alter proteins and pathways associated with geographic atrophy and macular degeneration.
• In vitro studies demonstrate zervimesine's capacity to normalize retinal pigment epithelial cell function when compromised by amyloid beta oligomers or oxidative stress.

Cognition Therapeutics has reported promising results for their oral drug candidate zervimesine (CT1812) in the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), marking a potential breakthrough in addressing this challenging ocular condition.

Positive Phase 2 Trial Results

Initial analysis of masked data from the ongoing MAGNIFY Phase 2 trial has yielded encouraging results. The futility analysis, examining data from 57 participants who completed at least 6 months of dosing, revealed that patients treated with zervimesine experienced slower lesion growth rates compared to those receiving placebo. The study has currently enrolled 100 participants, with final clinic visits scheduled for February 2025.

Mechanism Insights from Multiple Studies

Dr. Mary Hamby, Vice President of Cognition Therapeutics, explained the drug's potential mechanism: "Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples from studies in adults with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease showed that zervimesine treatment altered proteins and pathways strongly associated with geographic atrophy and macular degeneration."

The research included comprehensive laboratory studies conducted in collaboration with the University of Southampton in the UK. Dr. Arjuna Ratnayaka, who led the in vitro research, detailed their findings: "We demonstrated that retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells' capacity to break down photoreceptor outer segments was compromised when exposed to amyloid beta oligomers or oxidative stress. Importantly, zervimesine normalized the function of these RPE cells."

Drug Development Strategy

Zervimesine is being developed as an oral, once-daily medication, potentially offering a convenient treatment option for patients with dry AMD. While the drug shows promise in treating dry AMD, Cognition Therapeutics plans to prioritize its development for Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

The company has announced plans to conclude the MAGNIFY study earlier than initially planned, with final analysis of 12-month dosing data expected in Q2 2025. This strategic decision allows the company to redirect resources toward other central nervous system indications while still gathering valuable efficacy data for dry AMD treatment.