ThromboGenics acquires rights to develop DME drug

Leuven, Belgium-ThromboGenics NV has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Bicycle Therapeutics to develop and commercialize drugs inhibiting a specific target for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

ThromboGenics will develop therapeutics based on Bicycle’s bicyclic peptides, which inhibit a target involved with vascular permeability. Both companies will collaborate on the preclinical development of these bicyclic peptide inhibitors.

“This new agreement is further evidence for our commitment to develop and commercialize novel therapeutics targeting unmet needs in the treatment of diabetic eye diseases, such as DME,” said Patrik De Haes, MD, chief executive officer of ThromboGenics. “We are looking forward to evaluating these bicyclic peptides, with the aim of progressing clearly differentiated drug candidates through to the next stages of development.”

ThromboGenics will pay Bicycle an undisclosed upfront fee, development and regulatory milestone payments, and royalties on sales of products resulting from the collaboration.

“I am delighted to enter into this collaboration with ThromboGenics-a partner with a focus and successful track record in developing novel ophthalmic therapeutics- and look forward, in time, to progressing drug candidates into the clinic,” said Rolf Guenther, MD, PhD, chief executive officer of Bicycle Therapeutics.

Additionally, ThromboGenics’ ocriplasmin (Jetra) has been recommended by the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

In its final appraisal determination, NICE’s recommendation means it has determined the new treatment for vitreomacular traction and macular hole is innovative and should be reimbursed within the National Health Service in England and Wales.

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