ThromboGenics NV announced the enrollment of the first patients in a Phase II, single-masked, multicenter exploratory study evaluating the safety and efficacy of 2 dose levels of THR-317 for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). THR-317 (anti-PIGF) is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor-binding site of human placental growth factor (PlGF). The Phase II study will evaluate the safety of 3 intravitreal injections of 2 dose levels of THR-317 (4 mg or 8 mg). The trial will also assess THR-317's ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME. Recent preclinical data evaluating THR-317 (using a research grade anti-PlGF antibody) have confirmed a number of potential advantages of an anti-PlGF antibody for the treatment of DR when compared to the current standard of care. Therefore, ThromboGenics believes that THR-317 could be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on treatment to anti-VEGF medicines, for the treatment of DME or DR. The study plans to enroll a total of 50 patients over a period of about 12 months. The first results from the study are expected in first quarter of 2018.