Lampalizumab

Lampalizumab is an experimental drug that was developed by Genentech, a biotechnology company based in the United States. The drug was designed to treat geographic atrophy, a form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can lead to severe vision loss and blindness.

History

Lampalizumab was first developed by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. The drug was designed to target and inhibit the activity of complement factor D, a protein that plays a key role in the development of geographic atrophy.

In 2013, Genentech announced the results of a Phase II clinical trial, which suggested that lampalizumab could slow the progression of geographic atrophy. However, two Phase III clinical trials (known as the Spectri and Chroma trials) failed to confirm these results.

Mechanism of Action

Lampalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets complement factor D. By inhibiting this protein, the drug is thought to reduce the inflammatory response that contributes to the development of geographic atrophy.

Clinical Trials

The Phase II clinical trial of lampalizumab, known as the Mahalo trial, suggested that the drug could slow the progression of geographic atrophy. However, the Phase III Spectri and Chroma trials failed to confirm these results.

In the Spectri trial, patients treated with lampalizumab did not experience a significant reduction in the progression of geographic atrophy compared to those treated with a placebo. Similarly, in the Chroma trial, there was no significant difference in the progression of geographic atrophy between patients treated with lampalizumab and those treated with a placebo.

Future Development

Following the results of the Spectri and Chroma trials, Genentech announced that it would not seek regulatory approval for lampalizumab as a treatment for geographic atrophy. However, the company stated that it would continue to investigate other potential treatments for this condition.

See Also

• Geographic atrophy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Genentech
• Roche Group
• Complement factor D
• Monoclonal antibody

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