Ribomic (TYO:4591) has filed a new substance patent for RBM-006, a highly active anti-autotaxin (ATX) aptamer, highlighting its therapeutic potential in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy, according to a Wednesday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

RBM-006, developed in collaboration with the University of Tokyo's Department of Ophthalmology, demonstrated significant suppression of retinal hemorrhage in mice. The aptamer, which surpasses existing anti-ATX candidates in activity and has a shorter chain length, is being investigated for ophthalmic conditions including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

With anti-VEGF therapies ineffective in over half of patients, Ribomic sees RBM-006 as a potential alternative treatment. The company plans to explore early commercialization through partnerships and continues to fund development as scheduled.