DelSiTech will support Visus Therapeutics to develop investigational treatments for intraocular administration using a biodegradable, silica-based and sustained-release technology
Visus, DelSiTech partner to develop new ophthalmic drug delivery technology. (Credit: Sofie Zbořilová/Pixabay)
Visus Therapeutics has entered into a worldwide exclusive licencing agreement with DelSiTech for the development of novel ophthalmic drug delivery technology.
DelSiTech is engaged in the development of advanced biodegradable, silica-based and controlled-release materials.
As per terms of the licencing agreement, DelSiTech will support Visus Therapeutics for the development of investigational treatments for intraocular administration using a biodegradable, silica-based and sustained-release technology.
The advanced technology is believed to help overcome various limitations of currently available ophthalmic therapies.
The DelSiTech Silica Matrix platform holds the capacity to provide consistent drug release over an extended period of time and helps to dissolve when the drug is released without leaving any residue in the eye.
In addition, the technology has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and minimise dosing frequency. It will help the healthcare provider to gain confidence in providing prescribed treatment for the patient consistently.
Visus Therapeutics co-founder and CEO Ben Bergo said: “By expanding our portfolio to include investigational drugs for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and leveraging this innovative drug delivery technology, Visus Therapeutics is well positioned to develop a new generation of therapies that could potentially change the standard of care for these sight-threatening conditions.
“This represents a significant step forward in our strategy as we evolve into an innovation-focused ophthalmic company armed with differentiated, patent-protected assets driven by a world-class leadership team.”
Separately, Visus Therapeutics has signed a worldwide exclusive licencing agreement with Cella Therapeutic for the development of investigational ophthalmic therapies to treat glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The new assets are said to complement Visus Therapeutics’ existing development programmes, including the BRIMOCHOL and VTI-003.
BRIMOCHOL is an investigational drug candidate to treat presbyopia, while VTI-003 is a preclinical asset with corneal wound healing applications.
Recently, the company secured $20m in a financing round led by LSP in Amsterdam, along with participation from Sage Partners of Hong Kong, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC and other inside investors in the company.