Stuart Therapeutics announces licensing deal with Glaukos

(Stuart announced in its news release that under the agreement it will receive an upfront payment, and is eligible for additional development and sales related milestone payments, plus royalties. (Image courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Stuart Therapeutics, Inc this week announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Glaukos Corp, granting the company exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Stuart's ST-113 drug candidate for neuroprotection in glaucoma.¹

According to Stuart, ST-113 is a patented pre-clinical asset that has demonstrated the ability to provide neuroprotection and neuro-repair of optic nerve axons in animal testing and represents one candidates for a therapeutic approach to glaucoma that is independent of control of intraocular pressure, and that may provide a solution to normal tension glaucoma.

Stuart announced in its news release that under the agreement it will receive an upfront payment, and is eligible for additional development and sales related milestone payments, plus royalties. Glaukos will assume all costs for development of ST-113. 

Eric Schlumpf, president and CEO of Stuart, noted in the news release his company is pleased to team up with Glaukos to develop the first neuroprotective therapeutic targeting the extracellular matrix, which based on our research plays an important role in glaucoma.

“We wanted to partner with a leader in glaucoma therapeutics to bring this innovative drug candidate to the millions of glaucoma patients across the world, and Glaukos has delivered in this important disease area,” Schlumpf said in the statement. “They bring critical focus on novel therapies, capabilities in drug product design and delivery, and commercial strength worldwide.”

The company noted in its release ST-113 is being investigated as a treatment for open angle glaucoma, including normal tension glaucoma. Stuart noted it is a synthesized collagen mimetic peptide, which selectively restores damaged helical collagen in the extracellular matrix.

Moreover, based on Stuart's preclinical research results, ST-113 is believed to restore both the structural and cell signaling roles of collagen in the optic nerve region, reducing inflammation, and restoring nerve health. Stuart has been actively developing ST-113 for glaucoma, including the development of novel endpoints suitable for a neuroprotective approach to the disease.¹

Reference

1. Therapeutics S Stuart Therapeutics Announces Exclusive Worldwide License Agreement with Glaukos Corporation. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stuart-therapeutics-announces-exclusive-worldwide-license-agreement-with-glaukos-corporation-301961150.html