Critical Limb Ischemia

Is Angiogenesis a Treatment or Potential Cure?

Zhittya Genesis Medicine is developing a drug, Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1), to potentially treat Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels in ischemic leg tissue. As of May 2022, Zhittya Genesis Medicine has initiated efforts to test FGF-1 in human medical research studies following promising preclinical studies.

CLI, a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), occurs when blood flow to the legs is significantly reduced or blocked, leading to extreme pain, ulcers, and even gangrene. Without effective treatment, CLI can result in amputation and high mortality rates. The current standard treatments, such as surgical bypass or revascularization, are not viable for up to 50% of CLI patients, creating an urgent need for alternative therapies.

FGF-1 has shown remarkable efficacy in preclinical studies, including the successful revascularization of ischemic tissue in animal models. In a rabbit model of CLI, FGF-1 significantly increased blood vessel density and blood flow in ischemic limbs. These promising results support the potential of FGF-1 as a groundbreaking treatment for CLI.

History

For nearly two decades, “therapeutic angiogenesis” (the growth of the new blood vessels to treat disease) has been explored as a treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1), a potent angiogenic growth factor, had not been tested in clinical trials for PAD or CLI until recently.

FGF-1 has demonstrated significant potential in other conditions characterized by ischemia, such as severe coronary artery disease and chronic diabetic foot ulcers. In a US FDA-approved clinical study, FGF-1 stimulated robust angiogenesis in the heart, leading to improved exercise and angina pain scores in patients. In another trial, FGF-1 facilitated the complete closure of diabetic foot ulcers by promoting new blood vessel growth.

Building on these successes, Zhittya Genesis Medicine initiated efforts to develop FGF-1 for the treatment of CLI. CLI is a severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where blood flow to the legs is critically reduced or blocked, leading to severe pain, ulcers, gangrene, and a high risk of amputation and mortality.

Preclinical studies in animal models of PAD and CLI have shown that FGF-1 can safely and effectively stimulate the growth of new, durable arteries in ischemic limbs. These promising results have paved the way for human clinical trials. Zhittya Genesis Medicine is now preparing to conduct FDA-authorized clinical trials and medical research studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FGF-1 in patients with CLI. By promoting new blood vessel growth and improving blood flow in ischemic tissues, FGF-1 holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment of this debilitating condition.

Watch as Zhittya Genesis Medicine’s drug is used to grow new blood vessels in the human heart in a US FDA Phase IIA Clinical Trial done at the University of Cincinnati, and reported by ABC Nightly News. Zhittya believes that by growing new blood vessels in the limbs, that the symptoms of Critical Limb Ischemia can be alleviated.

Dr. Jacobs explains how their drug, FGF1, promotes the growth of new blood vessels to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms. The presentation includes animal study results, clinical trial plans, and details on manufacturing FGF1 using genetic engineering. The webinar emphasizes the drug's potential to treat various vascular diseases safely.

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