Venobiotech Begins First Patient Dosing in Global Phase 1 Trial of New AMD Drug "BBRP11001"

Venobiotech, a subsidiary of Kosdaq-listed Benoty&R (CEO Han Seungil), announced on July 16 that it has administered the first dose to a patient in the global Phase 1 clinical trial of its age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment, BBRP11001. BBRP11001 is a first-in-class candidate based on epigenetic regulation, and is expected to offer a new treatment alternative for patients with refractory wet AMD by suppressing inflammation and regulating neovascularization through a mechanism distinct from existing anti-VEGF therapies.

This clinical trial is being conducted in collaboration with global contract research organization Novotech under the Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) procedure approved in Australia. The study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of BBRP11001 in patients who have developed resistance to existing VEGF therapies. Venobiotech is planning an early out-licensing of its AMD treatment, BBRP11001.

Macular degeneration is a representative degenerative eye disease whose prevalence is rapidly increasing due to the aging population. In particular, wet AMD requires early treatment, as abnormal neovascularization grows beneath the retina, causing exudates and hemorrhage that can severely impair vision. According to Research and Markets, the global market for AMD treatments is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%, from $10.68 billion in 2023 to $19.53 billion in 2032.

Lee Inhyun, Vice President of Venobiotech, expressed confidence, stating, "BBRP11001 is a treatment developed using our proprietary epigenetic platform, and it will demonstrate its potential as a new therapy for patients who do not experience vision improvement or develop resistance to currently available AMD treatments." He added, "Since we are conducting the clinical trial in Australia with AMD patients, we expect that successful results from Phase 1 will accelerate out-licensing discussions with global pharmaceutical companies."

In addition to its AMD treatment, Venobiotech has a diverse pipeline targeting age-related diseases, including a pan-KRAS inhibitor for cancer, as well as therapies for osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and is striving to achieve meaningful results in the global market.