Regeneron, Bayer to develop AMD combination therapy

The companies will jointly develop a combination of the angiopoietin2 antibody nesvacumab and the anti-VEGF aflibercept for the treatment of wet AMD and diabetic macular edema.

“Inhibiting the angiopoietin 2 pathway is a promising new approach for a combination therapy, and we are looking forward to working on it together with Regeneron,” said Joerg Moeller, MD, head of development at Bayer.

According to the press release, preclinical data show that angiopoietins act with the VEGF family to promote the formation and maturation of blood and lymphatic vessels in the eye. Angiopoietins are a family of vascular growth factors that was discovered by scientists at Regeneron.  

Two separate phase 2 clinical studies are currently evaluating the combination therapy as a co-formulated single intravitreal injection in patients with wet AMD or diabetic macular edema.

For Bayer, the collaboration is a chance to continue a crucial relationship as revenue from aflibercept continues to grow. Regeneron reported $2.68 billion in aflibercept sales in 2015, an increase of 54% increase from 2014.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer agreed to pay Regeneron $50 million upfront with an additional $80 million tied to development and regulatory milestones.