Isomab Study Resolves Safety Concerns for Angiogenic Approaches in Coronary Artery Disease

Isomab, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom, has released findings from a comprehensive systematic review that addresses long-standing safety concerns associated with angiogenic approaches for treating coronary artery disease. The review, which analyzed data from 11 clinical studies involving over 600 patients, spanning from 2002 to 2024, found no evidence of increased cancer or retinopathy, effectively resolving doubts that had previously hindered progress in the field.

The study, led by Isomab's Chief Scientific Officer, Professor David Bates, evaluated the long-term safety profile of angiogenic approaches. These treatments are designed to promote blood vessel growth, which can potentially restore blood supply to areas of the heart affected by coronary artery disease. The review specifically looked at growth factor approaches and a novel antibody therapeutic called ISM-001, which targets VEGF-A165b, an inhibitor of angiogenesis.

According to the findings, the incidence of malignancy in patients receiving pro-angiogenic interventions was similar to those receiving a placebo, both at 0.84 per 100 patient-years. Additionally, retinal events were rare and did not exceed the age-matched population rate. These results provide a strong foundation for Isomab's plans to advance ISM-001 towards first-in-human trials, particularly for patients with chronic angina who have not responded to conventional treatments.

ISM-001 takes a fundamentally different approach compared to traditional growth factor therapies. Rather than directly stimulating blood vessel growth, it aims to remove the overactive brake on angiogenesis caused by cardiovascular disease. This unique mechanism could offer a new paradigm for treating coronary artery disease, potentially unlocking the heart's own capacity to heal.

Dr. Philip Brainin, CEO of Isomab, expressed optimism about the future of the company's approach. "Given the scale and continuing burden of coronary artery disease, the opportunity to change the course of the disease is enormous," he stated. "With ISM-001, we are looking to introduce a new treatment paradigm, rebalancing VEGF-A signaling to unlock the heart's own capacity to heal itself."

The systematic review, which included data from 11 clinical studies, provides a comprehensive overview of the safety of angiogenic approaches over a 22-year period. The findings resolve safety concerns that had previously limited the field, paving the way for more advanced clinical trials. As Isomab moves forward with ISM-001, the company aims to bring a novel solution to a significant medical challenge, potentially offering hope to millions of patients worldwide affected by chronic angina and other forms of coronary artery disease.