Cellmid (ASX:CDY) has received two Australian government grants totalling $100,000 to support research testing of its midkine (MK) antibodies for use in treatments.
Cellmid will collaborate with a leading Sydney-based kidney research group to test efficacy of MK antibodies as treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated cardiovascular (CV) complications.
Cellmid’s MK portfolio is one of its two business segments, alongside consumer health.
The company holds the largest and most comprehensive portfolio of intellectual property relating to the MK and FGF5 globally, and its consumer health division currently sells hair growth products in Japan and Australia, which were developed using FGF5 related intellectual property.
Cellmid aims to follow in the footsteps of FGF5 by commercialising its MK portfolio.
Maria Halasz, CEO, commented: “We are excited to receive the funding which enables us to engage with some of the leading renal clinicians and researchers in the field of chronic kidney disease globally.”
Research program details
The experiments will use therapeutic antibodies and will provide vital proof of concept that blocking MK will protect the kidney from injury in CKD patients.
In previous studies it has been shown that Cellmid’s MK antibodies preserve renal structure and function.
The current studies are planned to confirm efficacy and also assess whether MK antibodies prevent further renal deterioration and the need for dialysis or transplantation.
In addition, the MK antibodies will be evaluated for their ability to reduce vascular calcification and stiffening that contribute to the prevalence of CV mortality associated with CKD.
These studies will enable direct comparison of Cellmid’s MK antibodies to guide selection of the lead candidate to progress into clinical trials.