Verseon presented preclinical data on multiple novel drug candidates for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) at the 2017 BIO International Conference in San Diego, last week. Diabetic macular edema is the leading cause of blindness in the diabetic population according to the National Institutes of Health. Verseon is developing plasma kallikrein inhibitors that target a validated disease pathway2 and treat an underlying cause of DME. The current standard of care comprises monthly injections into the eye and laser treatments, which are associated with side effects such as inflammation, infections, and cataracts. To avoid these unwanted effects, Verseon is designing its inhibitors for eye drop or oral delivery. Studies estimate that one in three people living with diabetes for more than 20 years may develop DME. Chronically high blood sugar associated with diabetes can weaken the blood vessels in the eye, leading to fluid leaking into the retina (edema). Over time, fluid may accumulate in the macula, the central region of the retina, resulting in swelling, blurred vision, and eventually central vision loss.i If current trends continue, researchers estimate that about one in three US adults could be suffering from diabetes by 2050,5 leading to a sharp increase in the number of people affected by DME. Recent research suggests that the serine protease plasma kallikrein may be a promising new target for the treatment of DME.ii The level and activity of plasma kallikrein are both known to be upregulated in the eyes of DME patients. This results in the activation of inflammatory pathways and vasodilation in the retina, leading to edema. By inhibiting plasma kallikrein, Verseon’s drug candidates target the direct cause of downstream inflammation caused by this hyperactivity and can potentially lower leakage into the retina.