DiaMedica Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at improving blood flow to ischemic tissues, particularly in the context of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and preeclampsia (PE). Their lead candidate, DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa), is a synthetic form of the KLK1 protein, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and vascular health. By restoring normal levels of KLK1, DM199 is designed to enhance collateral circulation in the brain during an ischemic stroke, potentially preserving neuronal function and minimizing brain damage. This approach is particularly significant given that a large percentage of AIS patients currently lack effective treatment options, as DM199 can be administered within a 24-hour window post-stroke onset.

In addition to its application in AIS, DM199 is also being investigated for its potential to address preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. The therapy aims to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to maternal organs and the placenta by activating bradykinin 2 receptors, which are often impaired in preeclampsia patients. This dual focus on both AIS and PE highlights DiaMedica's commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs through a novel mechanism of action that could lead to improved patient outcomes in these critical health conditions.

United States

DiaMedica Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing innovative treatments where there is significant unmet clinical need or where no current therapies are available with the focus on neurological and kidney diseases. 

Cardiovascular Diseases

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Inflammatory disorders

Kidney Diseases

DiaMedica Therapeutics

Heart disease

Ischemic stroke

<p class="font_7">DM199 is a recombinant (synthetic) form of human tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1). KLK1 is a serine protease (protein) that plays an important role in the regulation of diverse physiological processes including blood flow, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress and neurogenesis via a molecular mechanism that increases production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin. KLK1 deficiency may play a role in multiple vascular and fibrotic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, stroke, vascular dementia, and resistant hypertension where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. DiaMedica is the first company to have developed a recombinant form of the KLK1 protein. The KLK1 protein, produced from porcine pancreas and human urine, has been used to treat patients in Japan, China and Korea for decades. DM199 is currently being studied in patients with chronic kidney disease and patients with acute ischemic stroke.</p>

DM199 (KLK1 protein)

Chronic inflammatory disorder

Chronic kidney disease

IgA nephropathy

Inflammatory disease

Kidney disease

<p class="font_7">DM199 is a recombinant (synthetic) form of the human tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1). KLK1 is a serine protease (protein) that plays an important role in the regulation of diverse physiological processes including blood flow, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress and neurogenesis via a molecular mechanism that increases production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin. KLK1 deficiency may play a role in multiple vascular and fibrotic diseases including stroke, stroke recurrences, kidney diseases, vascular dementia and resistant hypertension where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. DiaMedica is the first company to have developed a recombinant form of the KLK1 protein for clinical use. The KLK1 protein, produced from human urine and porcine pancreas, has been used to treat patients in Japan, China and Korea for decades. DM199 is currently being studied in patients with acute ischemic stroke and chronic kidney diseases.</p>

DiaMedica Therapeutics

Company Details