NT-502 consists of encapsulated human retinal cells genetically modified to deliver a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) functional antagonist that block an upstream component of the VEGF pathway. VEGF is a class of proteins that causes angiogenesis or new blood vessel growth. While VEGF plays a role in normal body function, when growth or over-expression occurs in the body where it should not—like the retina—it can result in disease. In wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the presence of VEGF leads to endothelial cell proliferation, neovascularization and vascular leakage. In turn, fluid from leaking blood vessels gathers and lifts the macula, distorting vision and potentially leading to blindness.

Current approaches to treating wet-AMD involve routine injections of anti-VEGF proteins into the back of the eye. Neurotech believes NT-502, which is designed to continually deliver a low, safe and therapeutic dose of a factor that functionally inhibits VEGF in the back of the eye, would be a much welcome addition to the treatment armamentarium for wet AMD. Neurotech plans to initiate a Phase 1 study of NT-502 in wet AMD outside the US in 2009.