ico-007

iCo-007 is a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide drug designed to inhibit the production of c-Raf kinase, an enzyme involved in angiogenesis and vascular permeability. By targeting c-Raf kinase mRNA, iCo-007 prevents the signaling of multiple growth factors implicated in the formation of new and permeable blood vessels in the retina. This mechanism is intended to reduce retinal swelling and leakage associated with diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy. The drug was developed by Ionis (formerly Isis Pharmaceuticals) and licensed to iCo Therapeutics for further development. Clinical studies included phase 1 trials demonstrating safety at various doses, followed by a phase 2 trial (the iDEAL study), which evaluated efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with ranibizumab or laser photocoagulation for DME. Despite initial promise regarding safety, clinical development was discontinued after phase 2 due to lack of efficacy[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].

Other names

c-Raf antisense oligonucleotide