DiaMedica Therapeutics, Inc.

Our Focus

DM199: Restoring the Body's Supply of an Essential Protein

DiaMedica Therapeutics is developing DM199 (rhKLK1), a recombinant protein replacement therapy intended to restore normal, healthy levels of human tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1). KLK1 is a naturally occurring protein believed to stimulate the production of key vasodilating signaling molecules that help to increase blood flow and improve endothelial health. Through this novel mechanism, DM199 may have the potential to treat several ischemic conditions, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and acute ischemic stroke.

DM199 Produces All Three Major Endothelial-Derived Vasodilating Factors

KLK1 is the key protein in the Kallikrein-Kinin system which promotes local blood flow and vasodilation and may also mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress. KLK1 acts on kininogen to produce bradykinin, and bradykinin binds to bradykinin 2 receptors (BK2R) on arterial endothelium to release all three major vasodilating factors: nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2), and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Through enhancing the body’s natural production of these three signaling molecules, DM199 offers a novel mechanism of action with tremendous therapeutic promise and stands to transform care in patients suffering from PE, FGR & AIS.  

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DM199 in Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction

Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening hypertensive pregnancy complication that is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide and has no approved treatment option to address the underlying disease. Often linked to preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction is a condition where the fetus is not growing as expected, often leading to premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, or long-term health complications. DM199 has the potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for both preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction by lowering blood pressure, enhancing endothelial health and improving placental perfusion.

DM199 for Pregnancy Complications

DM199 in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel supplying blood to the brain, leading to loss of oxygen and nutrients, and if not corrected, ultimately neuronal cell death. DM199 aims to improve collateral circulation in arteries deprived of blood flow called the ischemic penumbra. By delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to brain tissues in need, there is the potential to preserve neuronal function and reduce the size of the ischemic penumbra, minimizing neuronal cell death (infarction) and brain damage.

DM199 for Acute Ischemic Stroke
The safety and effectiveness of DM199 for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke or preeclampsia has not been established and is limited to investigational use only.