Visara, Inc., a majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary of NovaBridge Biosciences (Nasdaq: NBP), has agreed to an exclusive worldwide license (excluding Greater China) from Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 300683) for VIS-102 (HT006.2.2), a Phase I modified recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) therapy for neurotrophic keratitis. Hiteck will receive USD 7 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments upon the agreement taking effect, with up to USD 104 million in additional clinical, regulatory, and commercialization milestones. Hiteck is also eligible for tiered royalties on net sales at undisclosed rates and retains all rights in Greater China.
VIS-102 incorporates targeted modifications to the NGF amino acid sequence that the company said improve resistance to enzymatic degradation and maintain stability under refrigeration, enabling a ready-to-use single-dose format intended to reduce storage and administration burden.In a Phase Ib study in China involving patients with severe neurotrophic keratitis, Hiteck reported complete corneal healing in 50% of patients receiving the highest dose after eight weeks, compared with 14% of vehicle-treated patients at week four. Following crossover to VIS-102, 43% of vehicle-treated patients achieved complete healing after four weeks of active treatment. Treatment-related ocular adverse events were mild, with no discontinuations due to related adverse events. An expansion phase will evaluate three-times-daily and six-times-daily dosing over eight weeks.
Dompé's cenegermin (Oxervate), an approved rhNGF therapy for neurotrophic keratitis, is administered six times daily for eight weeks and requires frozen storage before dispensing and refrigeration by patients. VIS-102 is being developed with a refrigerated, ready-to-use formulation intended to simplify handling and administration.