DiaMedica Therapeutics Releases Preeclampsia White Paper and Announces DM199 Webinar

DiaMedica Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company listed on Nasdaq under the symbol DMAC, has announced a significant event aimed at expanding its clinical development program for DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa) into the treatment of preeclampsia. This virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event is scheduled for Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Preeclampsia represents a critical unmet medical need, with no FDA-approved therapeutics currently available.

The webinar will feature notable experts in the field, including Professor Stephen Tong, MD, PhD, from The University of Melbourne, Professor Catherine Cluver, MD, PhD, from Stellenbosch University, and Professor Susan Walker, MD, PhD, also from The University of Melbourne. These experts will delve into the current landscape and unmet needs in the treatment of preeclampsia, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that affects pregnant women.

Preeclampsia is a vascular disorder that can occur after the 20th week of gestation, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. It affects up to 8% of pregnancies globally and poses significant risks to both the mother and baby, including stroke, placental abruption, and premature delivery. The only current method to halt the progression of preeclampsia is delivering the baby, often prematurely.

The focus of the event will be on DM199's mechanism of action, which is uniquely aligned with addressing preeclampsia. DM199 is a recombinant form of human tissue kallikrein-1 (rhKLK1). It works by enhancing the body's natural production of nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. These elements collectively help to lower blood pressure, enhance endothelial health, and improve perfusion to maternal organs and the placenta. The upcoming Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial for DM199 in preeclampsia is anticipated to commence enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Following the formal presentations, there will be a live question and answer session, providing an interactive platform for further discussion and clarification.

In conjunction with the webinar, DiaMedica is releasing a white paper titled "The Potential of DM199 to Treat Preeclampsia.” This document will be available for download from the Literature & Publications section of DiaMedica's website.

Professor Stephen Tong is a globally recognized expert in preeclampsia, having contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and clinical trials. Professor Cathy Cluver is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who heads the Preeclampsia Research Unit at Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University. She has led multiple preeclampsia treatment trials and curates one of the largest preeclampsia biobanks. Professor Susan Walker holds the Sheila Handbury Chair of Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, aiming to improve detection and treatment of these conditions.

DM199 is a synthetic form of human tissue kallikrein-1, designed to aid in conditions such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and preeclampsia. For AIS, DM199 helps enhance blood flow and neuronal survival. For preeclampsia, it aims to lower blood pressure, enhance endothelial health, and improve perfusion to maternal organs and the placenta.

DiaMedica Therapeutics, Inc. is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for severe ischemic diseases, with a particular focus on acute ischemic stroke and preeclampsia. The company’s lead candidate, DM199, is a pioneering therapeutic recombinant form of the KLK1 protein, an established treatment modality in Asia for various vascular diseases.