Ceryvyn Therapeutics (ASX: CYV) Executive Chair Dr Jeremy Levin has outlined the company’s development plans for CYV-101, an investigational biologic being developed as an inhaled therapy for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
Speaking with Small Caps host James Whelan, Levin described the company’s focus on the rare, progressive lung disease and the scientific rationale behind targeting VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Ceryvyn was formerly known as Opthea.
Targeting the lung
Levin said CYV-101 is designed to trap the growth factors involved in abnormal lymphatic activity. The company is working to adapt a molecule previously developed for ophthalmology into a nebulised formulation delivered to the lungs.
He stressed that further work is required to assess inhaled safety, including longer-term toxicity and how much of the inhaled drug passes into the blood. Prior ophthalmology exposure does not establish safety or effectiveness for an inhaled LAM treatment.
Development stage gates
Levin described a staged approach to investment, with progress dependent on meeting defined scientific milestones. He said the company would stop investing in the program if the required tests were not met.
If the safety work is successful and the program passes stage gate one, Ceryvyn plans to design a small Australian study of fewer than 20 patients to investigate biological changes in the lungs. Xenon MRI is among the measurement techniques discussed, while final trial measures remain subject to clinical input.
Scientific and patient input
The interview also covers the roles of Professor Frank McCormack, Professor Deborah Yates and patient advocate Beth Daugherity on the scientific advisory board. Levin said the combination of scientific expertise, clinical care and patient experience helps guide the development program.
CYV-101 remains investigational. The development outlook described in the interview is conditional on safety work, stage gates and future clinical evidence.