ESBAtech completes Ph I study on ophthalmic candidate

Swiss antibody therapeutics specialist ESBATech has completed a Phase I clinical study of lead candidate, ESBA105, in ophthalmic indications.

The single- and repeated-dose escalation trial was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of ESBA105, when delivered topically via eye drops in healthy volunteers. ESBA105 is a single-chain antibody fragment directed against tumor necrosis factor, and it is being developed initially for ophthalmic indications. Several additional clinical studies are in the preparatory stages.

Dominik Escher, chief executive of the firm, added that, "recently, ESBATech secured 23.0 million Swiss francs ($20.5 million) in an extended series B venture financing round. This financing will fund further clinical studies with ESBA105 in ophthalmic indications, as well as build broad franchises in ophthalmology, rheumatology and respiratory diseases for ESBA105 and other antibody fragments."