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Ripple will lead preclinical development of RTC-620 while AbbVie will lead the clinical and commercialization activities upon exercise of option-to-license agreement.
Ripple Therapeutics has announced a collaboration and option-to-license agreement with AbbVie to develop RTC-620.
RTC-620 is a “next generation,” fully biodegradable, sustained release drug delivery intracameral implant with repeat dosing capabilities to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).1
The collaboration leverages “AbbVie's expertise in eye care and Ripple's innovative drug delivery platform.”
According to Ripple, its patented technology platform is based on a “discovery that drugs can be engineered into controlled release pharmaceuticals without the use of polymers or excipients.” Repeat dosing is supported by there being no polymers or excipients, which according to the company means that once the drug is gone, the implant is gone with no pro-inflammatory degradation products.1
Tom Reeves, President and CEO of Ripple Therapeutics commented on the partnership in a press release from the company stating, "By combining our drug delivery platform with AbbVie's research, clinical, regulatory and commercial capabilities, we hope to deliver a meaningful impact on the lives of people living with glaucoma."
Under the terms of the agreement, Ripple will lead preclinical development of RTC-620. AbbVie will lead the clinical and commercialization activities upon exercise of the option. Ripple will also receive an upfront payment of $21.8 million from AbbVie and is eligible to receive up to $290 million in aggregate option fees and milestones, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.1