Ophthalmic Drugs

Indications and Market Landscape

(focus on glaucoma as example indication)

January 2017

Compiled by Karin Shank

Life Science Intelligence @NCBiotech
Contents

Market & Forecasts .............................................................................................................................................. 1

Trends and Drivers............................................................................................................................................... 3

Growth Influences / Strengths ................................................................................................................................. 3
Negative Influences / Threats .................................................................................................................................. 3
Opportunities................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Unmet Needs.................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Key Segments (Glaucoma as one example) .................................................................................................. 4

Glaucoma ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Epidemiology ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Major drugs in pipeline ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Key Companies ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Alcon (a Novartis company) ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Allergan (formerly Actavis) ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Merck & Co........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Pfizer ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Roche................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Other.................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Review Articles ................................................................................................................................................... 10

Recent News......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Market & Forecasts
NOTE: The NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence unit has access to full published reports from two publishers, BCC
Research and Kalorama. However, for many markets, other data may be available from press releases, company
presentations, etc. Since these market sizes are all estimations, it can be helpful to see multiple projections.

Market Forecasts for Ophthalmic Drugs

27.6
Market Size Estimation (in billion $)

26

21.6 21
19
17.2
16
13.7
12.3

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

BCC Research GBI Research Transparency Market Research

Research and Markets Credence Research

Source: Visualization by NCBiotech Library, see individual market forecasts below.

Global revenues for the ophthalmology market are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of
9.48%, from $13.7 billion in 2015 to $26 billion in 2022.1

The global ophthalmic drugs market was valued at US$16 bn in 2012 and is estimated to reach a market
value of US$21.6 bn by 2018, rising at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2013 to 2018.2

The global ophthalmic drugs market is projected to grow with a CAGR between 5.2% and 5.5% over the
forecast period of 2016 - 2022 and surpass USD 21 billion by 2022.3

The ophthalmic drugs market was valued at USD 17.2 Bn in 2015, and is expected to reach USD 27.6 Bn by
2022, expanding at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2016 to 2022.4

1 “Global Ophthalmology Drugs market to 2022.” GBI Research report summary, August 2016.
http://www.gbiresearch.com/report-store/market-reports/therapy-analysis/global-ophthalmology-drugs-market-to-
2022-angiogenesis-modulators-and-gene-therapies-to-boost-overall-revenue-within-the-fore
2 “Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market to Reach US$21.6 bn by 2018.” Transparency Market Research, 25 March 2016.

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/ophthalmic-drugs-market.htm
3 “Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market: Trend Analysis and Forecast to 2022.” Research and Markets report summary,

Accessed 26 January 2017 (report date is future, December 2017).

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/w374zp/global_ophthalmic
4 “Ophthalmic drugs market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 7.0% during 2016-2023.” Credence Research press

release, accessed 26 January 2017. http://www.m2.com/m2/web/story.php/20166063788

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 1

The ophthalmology drug market was valued at $12.3 billion in 2014, growing at a compound annual growth
rate (CAGR% from 2014 to 2019) of 9.1% (see table below).

Source: “Ophthalmic Therapeutic Drugs.” BCC Research, July 2015.

NOTE: Other ways to estimate the market size and activity/growth may be through deal trends,
incidence/prevalence of disease (see next section), and/or development pipeline. Best sources and availability of
that data depend a lot on the type and the scope of your market of interest.

Ophthalmic Therapeutics Deals

121
114
110 108
101
Number of Deals

92 89

66
60 61

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Source: Pharmadeals database, accessed 26 January 2017.

Searched for deals involving therapeutic products used to treat diseases of the eye in the last 10 years.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 2

Trends and Drivers
The glaucoma category that has experienced generics incursion will be offset by continued growth from new
treatment modalities for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retina disorders such as
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Retinal Vein Occlusions (RVO)…. Platelet Derived Growth Factor
(PDGF) therapy is expected to be the next frontier for retinal disorders. Regeneron, Novartis, and Allergan
are reported to be evaluating combination therapies for the treatment of retinal disorders.5

Growth Influences / Strengths

 New innovations
 Combination therapies
 Growth of glaucoma and uveitis treatments for unmet needs
 Increasing prevalence of diabetes (diabetic macular edema and retinopathy)
 Aging population and rising global population
 Technological advances in drug delivery technology
 Increasing awareness in healthcare spending
 Rapid growth of middle class in emerging markets

Negative Influences / Threats

 Absence of health insurance in developing countries
 Lack of awareness regarding eye diseases/disorders in underdeveloped and developing countries
 Patent expirations

Opportunities
 High unmet need for patient-friendly formulations
 High unmet need for safer, more efficacious treatments
 Emergence of biosimilars, patent expirations
 Consolidation is expected to continue, M&A landscape is active

Unmet Needs
The key therapeutic segments with large unmet needs include retinal diseases Wet and dry AMD, diabetic
retinopathy & diabetic edema, glaucoma, and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Dry AMD represents a
strong commercial opportunity as currently there are no approved treatments.6

Better formulations to improve adherence and convenience to the patient. One example is topical anti-
inflammatory therapy for cataract surgery, post-procedure.7

5 “The Future of Ophthalmology Drugs Market.” Grand View Research, accessed 26 January 2017.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/research-insights/future-ophthalmology-drugs-market
6 “The Future of Ophthalmology Drugs Market.” Grand View Research, accessed 26 January 2017.

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/research-insights/future-ophthalmology-drugs-market
7 “Intracanalicular drug depot may fill unmet need for better topical therapy.” Ophthalmology Times, 15 April 2016.

http://ophthalmologytimes.modernmedicine.com/ophthalmologytimes/news/intracanalicular-drug-depot-may-fill-
unmet-need-better-topical-therapy

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 3

Key Segments (Glaucoma as one example)
NOTE: A report could be segmented by indication, product type, delivery method, technology, etc. In this case,
glaucoma is given as an example of a report segmented by indication.

Glaucoma
Amongst treatment drugs, the anti-glaucoma drugs segment is leading the global ophthalmic treatment
drugs market, with a CAGR of 4.2% expected during the mentioned forecast period.8

Epidemiology
The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle (POAG) and angle-closure (PACG). Open-angle glaucoma
accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and
congenital glaucoma.9

It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of those know they have it.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common
form, resulting in increased eye pressure.10

Source: “Glaucoma, Open-angle.” National Eye Institute website, accessed 31 January 2017.
https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/glaucoma

8 “Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market to Reach US$21.6 bn by 2018.” Transparency Market Research, 25 March 2016.
http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/ophthalmic-drugs-market.htm
9 “Types of Glaucoma.” Glaucoma Research Foundation, Accessed 31 January 2017. Page last updated 18 August 2016.

http://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/types-of-glaucoma.php
10 “Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight!” CDC website, accessed 31 January 2017. Page last updated 11 January 2017.

https://www.cdc.gov/features/glaucoma-awareness/index.html

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 4

In 2013, the number of people (aged 40–80 years) with glaucoma worldwide was estimated to be 64.3
million, increasing to 76.0 million in 2020 and 111.8 million in 2040, disproportionally affecting people
residing in Asia and Africa.11

Globally 57.5 million people (95% CI 46.4 to 73.1 million) were affected by POAG in 2015, rising to 65.5
million (95% CrI 52.8, 83.2 million) by 2020.12

Major drugs in pipeline13

Source: “Building a major ophthalmic pharmaceutical company.” Aerie Pharmaceuticals presentation, 12 April 2016.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1337553/000119312516537843/d139901dex991.htm

11 Tham, Y-C. et al. “Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040.” Ophthalmology,
2014, 121(11): 2081-2090. http://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(14)00433-3/abstract
12 Kapetanakis, V.V. et al. “Global variations and time trends in the prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG):

a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Br J Ophthalmol, 2016; 100: 86-93.

http://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/1/86.abstract
13 Biopharm Insight database, Glaucoma Indication profile, accessed 26 January 2017.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 5

NOTE: data below was summarized in published BCC Research report, but if not already available through a
published source could also be gathered from company websites, drug pipeline databases and clinicaltrials.gov

ENV515 (Envisia)
Envisia, the USA-North Carolina based company, completed a Phase IIa study (NCT02371746) with ENV515
extended-release travoprost product for the treatment of glaucoma in late 2015. The firm has decided to
amend the protocol, add an additional cohort and extend the trial for 12 months. The next cohort will be
starting soon and will enroll approximately 10 patients. The first cohort studied was glaucoma patients that
underwent cataract surgery, while the second cohort will be exclusively glaucoma patients that have not had
the surgery.

Latanoprost punctal plug (Mati Therapeutics)

Mati Therapeutics has enrolled 75 out of approximately 145 planned patients in a Phase IIb for glaucoma,
and is amending trial protocol to overcome recruitment hurdles. The Austin, Texas-based company initiated
the Phase IIb efficacy comparison study of its latanoprost punctal plug delivery system with active
comparator timolol maleate ophthalmic gel forming solution in patients with glaucoma in December 2013
and has faced enrollment challenges.

OTX-TP (Ocular Therapeutics)

Ocular Therapeutix's OTX-TP has experts divided over the likelihood of it reaching its primary endpoint in a
Phase IIb glaucoma study. Some maintained that Ocular's punctum plug technology and travoprost, which is
the API in OTX-TP, are both tried and true. Others noted the risk associated with inserting the plug,
uncertainty surrounding dose release and the likelihood of the punctum plugs simply falling out without
patients' awareness. The Phase IIb OTX-TP study was expected by YE15. It will test 0.36 mg of sustained-
release travoprost against timolol.

NCBiotech-subscribed drug pipeline databases

NOTE: data from the pipeline databases can be searched and filtered by many different criteria, and can be
exported in Excel format for further analysis. The Biopharm Insight database also has a Devices module.

 Biopharm Insight database currently shows 56 glaucoma drugs in clinical trials, and 52 in discovery
or pre-clinical stages. (accessed 26 January 2017) – see also example “Indication Profile” report

 Adis Insight database currently shows 50 glaucoma drugs in clinical trials, and 41 in preclinical or
research stages. (accessed 26 January 2017)

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 6

Key Companies
NOTE: Lists of companies can be pulled from market reports (those subscribed and table of contents from others
online); drug development pipeline databases; PharmaDeals database; Factiva news database; trade journals;
etc. Details about key products on the market can also be gathered from similar sources.

Detailed listings of companies and products is best for projects on more narrow/specific indications or markets.
This section can take significantly more time to compile as it often requires looking at each company’s website.

Alcon (a Novartis company)

https://www.alcon.com/ OR https://www.myalcon.com/
from company website: As a division of Novartis, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance
sight and improve people’s lives. Our products touch the lives of more than 260 million people each year
living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors, and there are
millions more who are waiting for solutions to meet their eye care needs. Our purpose is reimagining eye
care, and we do this through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs
that enhance access to quality eye care.

R&D strategy is built around specific unmet medical needs within these four therapeutic areas:14
 Glaucoma
 Cataract and Refractive Error
 Retina
 External Disease

Alcon is the second-largest division of Novartis and a global leader in eye care with pro-forma sales of $10.8
billion in 2014. The company has a broad portfolio of products, including several that are due to be filed with
regulatory authorities over the next five years, such as Fovista in wet AMD (2016), Lucentis CNV and ME
(2016) and for ROP (after 2018). Novartis’ medical retina pipeline includes investigational treatments in
late-stage clinical development such as RTH258 for wet AMD (next generation anti-VEGF), and LFG316 for
the treatment of dry AMD. In May 2014, Novartis obtained exclusive marketing rights for Ophthotech’s
Fovista (anti-PDGF aptamer) outside the U.S. Fovista is being studied in combination with anti-VEGF agents
for patients suffering from wet AMD. Novartis will also develop a co-formulation of Fovista with a Novartis
proprietary anti-VEGF treatment, Lucentis.

Allergan (formerly Actavis)

http://www.allergan.com
from company website: Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the
central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health,
urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories. Allergan has built one of the broadest development
pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry with 70+ mid-to-late stage pipeline programs in development.

Allergan’s R&D efforts in Eye Care are focused on advancing innovation in the treatment of dry eye disease,
glaucoma and conditions that impact the back of the eye, including retinal conditions. Lead programs include
Oculeve, new delivery and formulations of Restasis, XEN 45, Bimatoprost SR, Brimonidine SR for dry age-
related macular degeneration and the DARPin portfolio of programs.

14 https://www.alcon.com/our-work/research-development/research-areas-pipeline , Accessed 26 January 2017.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 7

Allergan’s assets included a rich ophthalmic product pipeline including Restasis (Phase III) and Restasis X
(Phase II) for the treatment of ocular surface disease; Novadur (brimonidine; Phase II) and AGN 208397
(Phase II) for retinal diseases; Brimatoprost SR (Phase II) for glaucoma; and AGN-150998, anti VEGF/PDGF-
B and TKI in development for AMD. Since 2007, Allergan has forged partnerships with a number of
biotechnology companies developing novel ophthalmic medicines, including Taris Biomedical, Voyant
Biotherapeutics, Medytox, Spetrum Pharmaceuticals, Molecular Partners, Bioavail, Inspire Pharmaceuticals
and QLT.15

Merck & Co.

http://www.merck.com/
from company website: Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our
prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers
and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions.

NOTE: doesn’t show specific eye indications on this current pipeline figure. Biopharm Insight database shows
two Phase 1 drugs indicated for Glaucoma and one in discovery for AMD. As well as 7 drugs and drug
combinations already approved for market in the ophthalmology space.

15 “Ophthalmic Therapeutic Drugs.” BCC Research, July 2015.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 8

Pfizer
http://www.pfizer.com/
from company website: We have a leading portfolio of products and medicines that support wellness and
prevention, as well as treatment and cures for diseases across a broad range of therapeutic areas; and we
have an industry-leading pipeline of promising new products that have the potential to challenge some of the
most feared diseases of our time, like Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Pfizer is committed to developing novel therapies that improve the lives of patients with ophthalmic
diseases. Our in-line medicines in this area include Xalatan® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution), Xalacom®
(latanoprost and timolol), and Macugen® (pegaptanib injection).
http://www.pfizer.com/partnering/areas_of_interest/ophthalmology

Roche
http://www.roche.com/
from company website: Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in
oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche
is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in
diabetes management.

Our ophthalmic research programs are focused on addressing the leading causes of blindness, including
geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), neovascular AMD, diabetic
macular edema and other retinal diseases.

Other
Smaller companies are making headway with niche products including Acucela, Aerie Pharmaceuticals,
Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Lux Biosciences, Molecular Partners AG, Optherion, pSivida
Corporation, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Sylentis S.A.
and Valeant Pharmaceuticals.16

Pfizer Inc, Hoya Corporation, Bayer, Novartis International AG, Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Ziemer
Ophthalmic Systems AG, Regeneron, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Bausch & Lomb Inc., Topcon
Corporation, Ellex Medical Lasers Ltd., Alcon Inc., Merck & Co. Inc, Spark Therapeutics, Insight Vision Inc.,
Roche Holding Ltd, Ophthotech, Novagali Pharma S A, Allergan Inc., Carl-Zeiss AG, Santen, Essilor
International S.A.17

The companies covered in the report include Abbott Healthcare, Allergan Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer,
Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Merck & Co., Novartis AG, Renegeron, and Santen
Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd.18

16 “Ophthalmic Therapeutic Drugs.” BCC Research, July 2015.

17 “Global Ophthalmology Drugs Market Research and Projections 2016-2021.”medGadget press release, 18 November
2016. http://www.medgadget.com/2016/11/global-ophthalmology-drugs-market-research-and-projections-2016-
2021-on-consumer-needs-pricing-strategy-revenue-and-growth-rate.html
18 “Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market: Trend Analysis and Forecast to 2022.” Research and Markets report summary,

Accessed 26 January 2017 (report date is future, December 2017).

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/w374zp/global_ophthalmic

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 9

Review Articles
NOTE: Scientific literature searches can be provided, and a limited selection of articles can be ordered through
interlibrary loan at $20/article. This focus was recent articles on innovation in glaucoma treatment.

Donegan RK, Lieberman RL. Discovery of Molecular Therapeutics for Glaucoma: Challenges, Successes, and
Promising Directions. J Med Chem. 2016 Feb 11;59(3):788-809. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00828.
Review. PubMed PMID: 26356532.

Lusthaus JA, Goldberg I. Emerging drugs to treat glaucoma: targeting prostaglandin F and E receptors. Expert
Opin Emerg Drugs. 2016;21(1):117-28. doi: 10.1517/14728214.2016.1151001. Review. PubMed PMID:
26854598.

Hoy SM. Tafluprost/Timolol: A Review in Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension. Drugs. 2015
Oct;75(15):1807-13. doi: 10.1007/s40265-015-0476-9. Review. PubMed PMID: 26431840.

Chen YS, Green CR, Danesh-Meyer HV, Rupenthal ID. Neuroprotection in the treatment of glaucoma--A focus
on connexin43 gap junction channel blockers. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2015 Sep;95(Pt B):182-93. doi:
10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.01.031. Review. PubMed PMID: 25676338.

Carvalho IM, Marques CS, Oliveira RS, Coelho PB, Costa PC, Ferreira DC. Sustained drug release by contact
lenses for glaucoma treatment-a review. J Control Release. 2015 Mar 28;202:76-82. doi:
10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.01.023. Review. PubMed PMID: 25617723.

Cholkar K, Trinh HM, Pal D, Mitra AK. Discovery of novel inhibitors for the treatment of glaucoma. Expert
Opin Drug Discov. 2015 Mar;10(3):293-313. doi: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1000857. Review. PubMed PMID:
25575654; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4589152.

Tanna AP, Lin AB. Medical therapy for glaucoma: what to add after a prostaglandin analogs? Curr Opin
Ophthalmol. 2015 Mar;26(2):116-20. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000134. Review. PubMed PMID:
25594765.

Greig SL, Deeks ED. Brinzolamide/brimonidine: a review of its use in patients with open-angle glaucoma or
ocular hypertension.Drugs Aging. 2015 Mar;32(3):251-60. doi: 10.1007/s40266-015-0250-4. Review.
PubMed PMID: 25732405.

Bucolo C, Platania CB, Reibaldi M, Bonfiglio V, Longo A, Salomone S, Drago F. Controversies in Glaucoma:
Current Medical Treatment and Drug Development. Curr Pharm Des. 2015;21(32):4673-81. Review. PubMed
PMID: 26350532.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 10

Recent News
NOTE: The following are lead paragraph excerpts
from news articles found in Factiva (Dow Jones) Sun Pharma dry eye drug gets positive
database or online trade journals.
results in clinical trials
5 January 2017
Stem cell secretions may protect against Nikkei Report, NKRP
glaucoma © Copyright 2017. Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. All
30 January 2017 rights reserved.
National Eye Institute News
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said its
NEI scientists find that stem cell exosomes new ophthalmic drug for dry eye disease met its
promote survival of retinal ganglion cells in rats. primary endpoint in a phase three study, giving a
A new study in rats shows that stem cell secretions, shot in the arm for India's largest drug maker that
called exosomes, appear to protect cells in the aims to strengthen its specialty pharmaceutical
retina, the light–sensitive tissue in the back of the products.
eye. The findings, published in the journal Stem
Cells Translational Medicine, point to potential The company, backed by billionaire Dilip Shanghvi,
therapies for glaucoma, a leading cause of last year got exclusive global rights for
blindness in the United States. The study was the drug Seciera through the acquisition of Ocular
conducted by researchers at the National Eye Technologies. Sun bought Ocular from Auven
Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Therapeutics, a private equity firm focused
Health. on drug development, for an initial payment of
$40 million. The company is developing the drug to
Otsuka launches a new treatment for sell in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, as well as in
several emerging markets.
glaucoma and ocular hypertension
11 January 2017
Company Reports, CHPR Using Genetics to guide AMD therapy:
© 2017 Elsevier Engineering Information Are we there yet?
1 January 2017
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd announced the Retinal Physician
launch of Mikeluna combination ophthalmic
solution for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. There are several commercially available genetic
The drug is to be co-promoted with Senju tests for AMD. In the United States, Macula Risk
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. Mikeluna PGx (ArcticDx, Toronto) can be ordered by a
combination ophthalmic solution is an Otsuka- provider. RetnaGene (Sequenom, San Diego) is no
developed eye drop containing a combination of longer available. Asper Biotech based in Tartu,
the non-selective beta-blocker cartelol Estonia, offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing
hydrochloride and the prostaglandin analogue worldwide. …
latanoprost. AMD is a multifactorial disease with many genetic
and environmental risk factors. Over the past
Usually glaucoma is treated initially with a single decade, much insight has been gained regarding
therapeutic agent and if intraocular pressure is not AMD risk variants, but at this time there is no
controlled sufficiently then additional agents are convincing evidence that genetic testing is
prescribed. However, the requirement to wait beneficial in the routine management of AMD
between applications of each eye drop may reduce patients. Data from future large, prospective trials
the efficacy of the treatment as dose adherence may provide validation for the pharmacogenetics
often decreases. A combination of the two into one of AMD. At the present time, genetic testing is more
formulation would improve adherence. useful as a research tool than in clinical
management.

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 11

Dexamethasone implant as first line release of glaucomamedication. The product
completed mid-stage clinical trials last year.
therapy for DME The purchase is expected to be completed within
December 2016 60 days.
EyeWorld

New German study substantiates long-acting effects

FDA approves new medication for dry
of implant eye disease
Intravitreal therapy has become the first line 12 July 2016
treatment option for the management of diabetic FDA News Release
macular edema (DME). Dexamethasone implants
have matched the visual and macular- slimming The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved
results attained through the use of anti-vascular Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for the
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, with treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye
the added advantage of longer steroid effects, disease, on Monday, July 11, 2016. Xiidra is the first
meaning fewer injections and happier patients. medication in a new class of drugs, called
lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)
Aerie Surges on Glaucoma treatment antagonist, approved by the FDA for dry eye
disease.
trial results
14 September 2016 “Normal tear production is needed for clear vision
Dow Jones Institutional News and eye health,” said Edward Cox, M.D., director of
© 2016, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. the Office of Antimicrobial Products in the FDA’s
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This
Aerie Pharmaceuticals (AERI) shares pop after the approval will provide a new treatment option for
company posted favorable results from a late-stage patients with dry eye disease.”
study of its new glaucoma treatment Roclatan. The
study met its primary efficacy endpoint,
demonstrating statistical superiority over each of
its components, including Aerie product candidate
Statins may show promise as a
Rhopressa and market-leading prostaglandin treatment for Dry Age-Related Macular
analogue latanoprost. The trial "clearly reconfirms Degeneration
the potential for Roclatan to become the most By Maureen Duffy
efficacious" intraocular pressure-lowering therapy 23 February 2016
to enter the market, if approved, said CEO Vicente VisionAware
Anido. Aerie expects to file an NDA at the end of
next year. This month, researchers from Harvard Medical
School and the University of Crete in Greece have
Allergan to Buy Eye-Care Company published findings from a small phase 1/2 clinical
ForSight Vision5 for $95 Million trial in which 10 out of 23 subjects with dry AMD
By Emma Court who were given high doses of the cholesterol-
11 August 2016 lowering drug Lipitor showed regression of drusen
Dow Jones Newswires deposits (a buildup of waste materials beneath the
© 2016, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. retina, explained below) and demonstrated some
improvements in visual acuity. Although this
Allergan Plc said Thursday that it had agreed to research was conducted with a small number of
acquire the private eye-care biotechnology subjects and is in its earliest stages, the results
company ForSight Vision5 for $95 million. show promise as a potential treatment for dry
The deal also includes a launch milestone payment AMD.
for the biotech's lead product, which is inserted on
the surface of the eye and allows for the extended

January 2017 Compiled by Karin Shank, NCBiotech Life Science Intelligence 12