Amakem is a kinase platform company focusing on ophthalmology and is developing new treatments for serious eye conditions. Amakem’s product pipeline is based on its unique ‘Localized Drug Action’ platform which is designed to generate safe and effective novel kinase inhibitors that minimize systemic exposure with the aim of reducing side effects.

Amakem’s lead candidate, AMA0076, is a novel, highly potent Rho Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor targeted at the treatment of glaucoma, a condition which damages the optic nerve resulting in vision loss and ultimately blindness. AMA0076 has been shown in a number of in vivo models to be highly effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), a major factor in glaucoma, while avoiding hyperemia. Also known as ‘red eye’, hyperemia results from excess blood flow in vessels in the white of the eye. It is a distressing and dose limiting side effect for patients that has hindered the progress of many otherwise promising glaucoma drugs.

Amakem is working to apply the ‘Localized Drug Action’ platform to a range of other eye diseases and has also demonstrated proof-of-concept for the technology in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma.

Amakem is based in Belgium and located in the life sciences incubator “BioVille” at the University of Hasselt.