Trefoil Therapeutics announces first patient dosed in phase 1 study of TTHX1114 for treatment of corneal epithelial defects

TTHX1114 is a topical eye drop formulation designed to reduce the duration and impact of corneal epithelial defects.

Trefoil Therapeutics announced today in a press release the first patient dosed in its Phase 1 safety study evaluating TTHX1114 as a topical eye drop formulation designed to reduce the duration and impact of corneal epithelial defects, which can lead to blindness.

According to the Trefoil Therapeutics press release, the Phase 1 study is designed to assess the safety and dosing profile of TTHX1114 in a topical eye drop formulation. Trefoil Therapeutics has also completed a Phase 2 study of TTHX1114 as an intracameral injection for people with conditions that affect the back surface of the cornea.

TTHX1114 is an investigational engineered variant of the naturally occurring molecule Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 (FGF1), which stimulates cell proliferation and migration as well as protecting cells from stress and injury. According to Trefoil Therapeutics, the topical formulation of TTHX1114 is designed to accelerate corneal ulcer wound healing by stimulating epithelial cell growth, potentially reducing common complications associated with corneal ulcers, such as pain, inflammation, and loss of vision due to corneal scarring.

“We are excited to take this important step to research TTHX1114 as a topical therapy,” said David Eveleth, PhD, president and CEO of Trefoil Therapeutics in the release. “We now have promising investigational candidates for both front and back of corneal conditions. We’re optimistic about what these medicines could mean for people with corneal diseases, and we’re eager to learn more through our research as TTHX1114 advances through the clinical pathway.”

Trefoil Therapeutics, based in San Diego, California, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on leveraging its engineered FGF1 protein technology platform to develop first-in-class pharmacologic treatments for serious corneal endothelial diseases and epithelial disorders.