Redefine What’s Possible: a Potential New Treatment Paradigm for Patients with Severe Ischemic Disease

DiaMedica Therapeutics is committed to improving the lives of individuals battling serious vascular diseases by developing innovative therapies that reduce ischemia. With an initial focus on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and preeclampsia (PE), we are dedicated to advancing patient care through a novel approach that centers around improving blood flow to ischemic tissue (collateral circulation) to improve patient outcomes.

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Unique Natural Mechanism of Action for Addressing Acute Ischemic Stroke

Our lead candidate, DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa), is a potential treatment for several health conditions in which the patient is experiencing low levels of the KLK1 protein.

Please press play on the video to hear about our mechanism.


Acute Ischemic Stroke

There is a significant unmet need for a treatment option for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. AIS is the leading cause of combined mortality and morbidity worldwide, and 87% of all strokes are ischemic. We are initially studying DM199 as a treatment option for patients arriving at the hospital within 24 hours of stroke onset and who do not have a therapeutic treatment option. These patients include those who are not eligible to receive tPA, due to either the small 4.5-hour treatment window or who are at risk of severe bleeding, and those who are not eligible for mechanical thrombectomy which is limited to blockages occurring in the large arteries bringing blood to the brain (i.e. the carotid).

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension are major pregnancy complications that contribute to high rates of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women. Both conditions are marked by elevated blood pressure, which can damage vital organs. The United States reports the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, and this rate is growing. These hypertensive disorders affecting 1 in 7 U.S. pregnancies and the incidence of these diseases is rising by approximately 10% annually.

Importantly, there is a significant unmet need for preeclampsia patients. Preeclampsia is estimated to occur in 5-7% of all pregnancies. Annually, PE claims the lives of 70,000 pregnant women and 500,000 babies worldwide. There are 50,000 severe cases in the United States every year, and the problem is worsening. Preeclampsia rates are 60% higher among Black women, compared to White women, with a greater likelihood of developing severe disease and a significantly higher risk of mortality. For the remainder of the mother’s life, she will face a significantly higher risk of developing permanent high blood pressure, a 2-4 times greater risk of stroke, and double the risk of heart and kidney failure. Overall, there is a 2-4 fold increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Intended to Replenish KLK1 Levels

DiaMedica’s investigational drug product candidate, DM199 (rhKLK1), is intended to restore normal levels of the KLK1 protein in patients. The restoration of this protein is intended to allow patients to naturally regulate their blood flow and maintain vascular homeostasis as well as reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

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