MK-8748

MK-8748 (formerly EYE-101) is an investigational bispecific monoclonal antibody developed by EyeBiotech (EyeBio), a subsidiary of Merck & Co. (MSD). It is designed to treat retinal vascular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The drug utilizes a dual mechanism of action: one arm inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) to suppress pathological neovascularization and vascular leakage, while the second arm functions as a Wnt signaling agonist, likely targeting the Frizzled-4 (FZD4) receptor. This dual approach aims to provide superior efficacy and durability compared to standard anti-VEGF monotherapies by simultaneously blocking pro-angiogenic signals and actively restoring the integrity of the blood-retinal barrier through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. MK-8748 entered Phase 1 clinical testing in late 2024.