SemaThera is focused on developing innovative treatments for diabetic and other retinal degenerative diseases, leveraging insights gained from over a decade of research into the role of semaphorins, particularly Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A), in these conditions. SEMA3A has been identified as a significant factor in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, where it contributes to increased vascular permeability, retinal inflammation, and impaired vascular regeneration. SemaThera has created a family of biological traps designed to bind and sequester SEMA3A and other cytokines associated with diabetic retinopathy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that these traps effectively neutralize SEMA3A in vivo, leading to reduced avascular areas in the retina, decreased vascular leakage, and diminished inflammation, thereby facilitating physiological re-vascularization.

The company’s research highlights the critical interplay between neurons and vascular responses in the retina, particularly in the context of ischemic retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. SEMA3A, secreted by hypoxic retinal neurons, has been shown to repel regenerating blood vessels from ischemic regions, creating a barrier to vascular regeneration. By pharmacologically inhibiting SEMA3A, SemaThera aims to promote vascular regeneration and repair in the retina, addressing the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating diseases. This approach not only targets the vascular aspects of retinal degeneration but also considers the inflammatory responses mediated by SEMA3A, positioning SemaThera at the forefront of therapeutic innovation in retinal health.

Canada

SemaThera is a spin-off company from AmorChem Fund 1, which focuses on a novel target, semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A). The Company is currently developing bispecific SEMA3A / VEGF inhibitors (traps) to prevent vascular leakage and damper the inflammation in diabetic macular edema (DME). The technology targets the 30% DME patients who are poor responders to current anti-VEGF therapies.

SemaThera

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