Inotek Pharmaceuticals is developing molecules with novel mechanisms of action to fulfill major unmet medical needs in significant diseases of the eye. Complete loss of vision or vision impairment currently affects 3.3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States, with the most common diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. With the continued aging of the population, the National Eye Institute projects that this number will grow to 5.5 million people by the year 2020.
Inotek’s lead program, trabodenoson (INO-8875), is a highly selective adenosine mimetic which selectively agonizes the adenosine A1 receptor. It works through a unique effect on the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s natural aqueous humor drainage system, to reduce elevated intraocular pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is this elevated pressure that is harmful to the retina and ultimately results in vision loss. The drug candidate has completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in patients and has demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy with a good safety and tolerability profile.
The Company has also been at the forefront of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor research. PARP inhibitors are attractive new targets in the field of retinal disease, and Inotek believes its PARP inhibitors may hold significant potential in age-related macular degeneration and other ophthalmic indications in which oxidative stress play a part in the pathophysiology.
Inotek, in addition to having built a first-in-class ocular drug development platform, has an experienced management team to advance the Company’s clinical programs towards commercialization so they can benefit patients and the physicians that help manage their ocular disease. The Company is privately held and is based in Lexington, MA.