Dry AMD pill attracts investor

Lin Bioscience announced it will license an oral drug candidate for the treatment of dry AMD from Columbia University in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH).

LBS-008 works by reducing retinol (vitamin A1) in circulation and excess retinal uptake, which leads to the formation of toxic byproducts that build up under the retina, contributing to dry AMD and Stargardt macular dystrophy.

The company expects to begin phase 1 clinical trials in 2017 for dry AMD, and to submit an application for orphan drug status for Stargardt disease, also in 2017.

"Both dry AMD and Stargardt Disease are diseases of real unmet medical need. Globally, dry AMD is a major health concern that severely affects and disabling millions of middle-aged to elderly people every day. Up until now, there are no proven treatments, but we are confident that LBS-008, given its potential, may offer some light to the treatment of both diseases," said Dr. Tom Lin, CEO of Lin Bioscience.

Under the agreement, the NIH’s Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network, which funded the medication's discovery and development, will continue to provide financial support through phase 1 trials.