Aerpio Therapeutics is a clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company focused on small‑molecule therapies that activate Tie2 and stabilize HIF‑1α. Its lead program, AKB‑9778, is a first‑in‑class Tie2 activator currently in a randomized Phase 2 trial for diabetic macular edema (DME). The Phase 2 study is testing AKB‑9778 as monotherapy and as an adjunct to ranibizumab with primary endpoints of change in visual acuity and central retinal thickness. Aerpio is also advancing AKB‑4924, a HIF1 activator, toward clinical development for inflammatory bowel disease after robust preclinical activity in models of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Proceeds from the recent financing will support expanded development of AKB‑9778 and progression of AKB‑4924 into the clinic. The company announced the financing from Cincinnati and expects to initiate development in a second target indication before year end. Aerpio Therapeutics is focused on developing Tie2-activating small molecules, with lead candidate AKB-9778 targeting diabetic macular edema (DME). AKB-9778 inhibits human protein tyrosine phosphatase β (HPTPβ) to restore Tie2 signaling, stabilizing retinal blood vessels to reduce edema and vascular leak. A 28-day Phase 1b/2a ascending-dose study in 24 DME patients showed AKB-9778 was well tolerated and produced meaningful changes in retinal thickness and vision gain in some treated patients. The company plans an expanded clinical program, including a Phase 2 study to confirm monotherapy efficacy and to explore adjunctive use with a VEGF inhibitor; a Phase 2 was expected to begin early in 2014. Financially, Aerpio completed a $9 million extension to its $27 million Series A from 2012 to support ongoing development. The company announced corporate activity including investor participation and a board change tied to the financing. Aerpio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that stabilize vasculature via Tie2 activation and HIF-1α stabilization. The company's lead candidate, AKB-9778, is a first-in-class small molecule that inhibits HPTPβ to restore Tie2 signaling. AKB-9778 showed tolerability and on-target pharmacology in a Phase 1 healthy volunteer study and is entering a Phase 1b/2a trial for diabetic macular edema (DME). Aerpio plans a large, definitive Phase 2 study in DME patients following completion of the Phase 1b/2a study. The company cites potential utility of Tie2 activators in age-related macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion but is currently focused on DME. Aerpio was created in a spin-out transaction from Akebia Therapeutics in December 2011 and is based in Cincinnati.

Total raised

$58M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Apr 2014