UNITY Biotechnology Announces Publication in NEJM Evidence Highlighting the Potential of Senolytic Therapeutics to Provide Long-Term Improvements in Vision in DME

Core Insights - UNITY Biotechnology, Inc. announced positive results from the Phase 2 BEHOLD study of UBX1325 for diabetic macular edema (DME), indicating potential for long-lasting vision improvements through selective clearance of senescent cells [1][2] - The BEHOLD study demonstrated that a single injection of UBX1325 led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in visual acuity for up to 48 weeks in patients with advanced DME [2][4] Company Overview - UNITY is focused on developing therapeutics aimed at slowing, halting, or reversing diseases of aging, particularly through the elimination or modulation of senescent cells [5] - UBX1325 is an investigational compound targeting retinal diseases, specifically designed to inhibit proteins that senescent cells rely on for survival [4] Study Details - The BEHOLD study was a multi-center, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial involving 65 patients with persistent visual acuity deficits despite anti-VEGF treatment [3] - Patients in the study had an average visual acuity of 61.4 ETDRS letters and a central subfield thickness (CST) of approximately 439.6 microns at baseline [3] Future Developments - UNITY is conducting a Phase 2b ASPIRE study to evaluate multiple doses of UBX1325 in comparison to aflibercept, with topline data expected in the second quarter of 2025 [2][4]