Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

NVS licenses dry-eye drug candidate from (private) Lubris, LLC:

https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-strengthen-rd-pipeline-licensing-ecf843-ophthalmic-indications

Novartis announced today that it has exercised an option to in-license ECF843 for ophthalmic indications worldwide (outside Europe). The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals. The financial and other terms of this transaction are not disclosed.

ECF843 is a recombinant human lubricin (rh-Lubricin) protein, developed by Lubris LLC, Boston, USA. Instant relief of dry eye symptoms by improving signs in a timely manner remains a high unmet medical need and a relevant factor for patient compliance and treatment success. In a small phase II clinical study, ECF843 demonstrated the potential to provide immediate improvement of symptoms likely by increasing lubrication across various eye and tear surfaces together with an improvement in signs of dry eye within 28 days - without reporting treatment-related adverse events.

…Lubricin protein deficiency is observed in dry eye patients. Lubricin is an endogenous glycoprotein expressed in areas of high shear stress and friction including the tear film where it binds to and protects tissues of the ocular surface, the assumed mechanism that ECF843 addresses. ECF843 is a new therapeutic approach and a potential first-in-class Rx treatment in dry-eye, which is an area of high unmet medical need impacting over 344 million patients globally. ECF843 is hypothesized to restore the tear film function, reduce friction and relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eye.

With AGN’s Restasis going generic, a branded dry-eye drug at a premium price may be a tough sell unless the efficacy is strongly superior.