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Safety and potential efficacy of DM199, a tissue kallikrein-1 analogue, for treating pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction: study protocol for a South African, hospital-based phase I/II open-label trial

Cluver CA, Thake J, Hassim T, van Greunen A, Budhram S, Knipe K, Decloedt E, Brink L et al.

BMJ open, 2025

42 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction are leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. A therapy that enhances maternal vascular function and promotes vasodilation to increase placental perfusion could treat both conditions.Tissue kallikrein-1 is an endogenous enzyme that releases bradykinin to activate the bradykinin 2 receptor on endothelial cells. This induces potent vasodilation and pro-angiogenic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.DM199 is a recombinant form of tissue kallikrein which can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Clinical trials in non-pregnant populations have demonstrated its safety. Being a protein, it is unlikely to cross the placenta. This protocol describes an early-phase trial for DM199 for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Methods and analysis: This phase IB/IIA open-label trial at Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape Province, South Africa, will determine the safety and effective dose of DM199 for pre-eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. The trial consists of two parts. Part 1 will be an ascending dose finding study, treating women with pre-eclampsia and severe hypertension who are for planned birth within 72 hours. This will search for doses that safely lower blood pressure (n=3/dose, recruiting up to 42 participants). Part 2 is a safety and efficacy study of three cohorts of pregnant women (n=30/cohort): (1) with pre-eclampsia and severe hypertension requiring delivery within 72 hours,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 42 participants or records.

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