Santen and Arctic Vision Ink Agreement for UME Treatment with ARVN001

Santen Pharmaceutical and Arctic Vision have entered into a commercial partnership for the ARVN001 suprachoroidal injectable suspension, a therapeutic solution for uveitic macular oedema (UME) and other related ocular conditions. According to the terms of the agreement, Santen will hold exclusive rights to commercialize this treatment within mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Arctic Vision is set to receive up to $85 million through initial and milestone payments, a move aimed at leveraging the strengths of both companies to support UME patients and expand their footprint in the Chinese ophthalmology market.

Rie Nakajima, Chief Operating Officer and Board Director of Santen Pharmaceutical, expressed optimism about the collaboration. She noted that the partnership with Arctic Vision, a pioneering biotech company in the ophthalmic space, would facilitate the introduction of what could be the first reimbursable treatment for UME in China. Nakajima highlighted that this collaboration has the potential to address unmet needs related to diseases affecting the posterior segment of the eye in the Chinese market.

ARVN001 is formulated as a suspension of triamcinolone acetonide, designed for administration into the suprachoroidal space. Marketed under the brand name XIPERE, it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of UME, making it the only approved suprachoroidal therapy for this condition. Bausch + Lomb holds exclusive rights for developing and commercializing XIPERE in the US and Canadian markets.

Arctic Vision licensed ARVN001 from Clearside BioMedical for use in the Asia-Pacific region and is currently investigating its efficacy in treating other ocular retinal diseases. The new drug application (NDA) for ARVN001 is under review in both Singapore and Australia as a treatment for UME.

Dr. Eddy Wu, founder, chair, and CEO of Arctic Vision, emphasized the significance of ARVN001, noting that it is the first and only therapy in China that involves a suprachoroidal space injection for UME. He acknowledged the extensive efforts made by Arctic Vision to advance the program from clinical trials to the NDA stage.

The delivery of ARVN001 is facilitated by Clearside BioMedical's patented suprachoroidal space Microinjector technology, which is essential for ensuring the drug reaches the suprachoroidal space effectively. This technology promotes better dispersion of the medication and long-lasting therapeutic effects while minimizing damage to other parts of the eye.

In summary, Uveitis, which results from the inflammation of the uveal tract, can cause impaired vision. The collaboration between Santen Pharmaceutical and Arctic Vision marks a significant step towards addressing this condition in China, potentially improving the lives of many patients suffering from UME.