Home

Aerpio Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging Tie2 activation for ocular disease and vascular stabilization.

Our lead product candidate, razuprotafib (AKB-9778), is a small molecule Tie2 activator being developed for the topical ocular treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. Phase 2 trials for topical ocular razuprotafib are planned to start Q3 2020.

The Company is also evaluating development options for systemically administered razuprotafib and ARP- 1536, a humanized Tie2-activating monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of diabetic vascular complications including nephropathy.

ARP-1536 is also in preclinical development for intravitreal administration as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with sight threatening retinopathies i.e. diabetic macular edema (DME) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wetAMD).

The Company’s third asset is a bispecific antibody that is designed to inhibit VEGF and activate Tie2. This bispecific antibody has the potential to be an improved treatment for DME and wet age-related macular degeneration via intravitreal injection and cancer via systemic administration.

Finally, the Company has exclusively out-licensed AKB-4924 (now called GB004), a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF). GB004 is being developed by AKB-4924’s exclusive licensor, Gossamer Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOSS), in return for upfront payments totaling $35 million, future potential development, regulatory, and sales milestones of up to $90 million, and royalties on worldwide net sales.