#Taiwan #Taipei #Formosa Pharmaceuticals #Clobetasol Propionate #Medvisis Switzerland

Formosa Pharmaceuticals Teams Up with Medvisis for Clobetasol Propionate Licensing in Switzerland

In a significant move for the ophthalmology sector, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, a healthcare innovator based in Taiwan, has announced a new exclusive partnership with Medvisis Switzerland AG. This agreement focuses on the commercialization of Clobetasol Propionate Ophthalmic Suspension (0.05%), aiming to address post-operative inflammation and pain for ocular surgery patients, marking a notable step forward in patient care.

The Agreement and its Implications

The licensing deal grants Medvisis exclusive rights to distribute the innovative ophthalmic suspension across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This product, referenced as APP13007, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2024 and made its debut in the U.S. market in September 2024. The agreement not only includes upfront payments but also foresees sales milestone targets, indicating a shared commitment to the product's success.

This collaboration comes as both companies recognize the substantial potential for APP13007 in the Swiss market, which sees upwards of 100,000 cataract surgeries performed each year. The introduction of this novel therapy is backed by solid evidence showing its effectiveness. A recent survey of 100 ophthalmic surgeons in the U.S. highlighted a rapid resolution of pain, with about 80% of patients being pain-free just four days after surgery. Furthermore, the suspension boasts a low incidence of adverse events, recorded at less than 2%, which underscores its safety profile.

The Science Behind APP13007

At the core of APP13007's efficacy is its active ingredient, Clobetasol Propionate, a super-potent corticosteroid that stands out due to its advanced APNT® nanoparticle formulation technology developed by Formosa. This technology enhances the drug's dissolution and bioavailability, leading to improved patient outcomes. Erick Co, President and CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the dual advantage of pioneering an innovative treatment while tapping into Medvisis's strong connections with Switzerland's regulatory bodies.

Value in the Market

The ophthalmic therapy market in Switzerland is robust, facilitated by a contemporary push towards innovative treatments that are both effective and easy to use. With existing therapies requiring a dosing regimen of four to six times daily, APP13007 stands out with a simplified twice-daily regimen over two weeks. This convenience is a significant draw for both physicians and patients alike.

The collaboration between Formosa and Medvisis is anticipated not only to enhance patient recovery experiences post-surgery but also to positively impact the economic dynamics within the single-agent corticosteroid market, currently valued at over $2.1 million annually in Switzerland.

Manuel Ackermann, Medvisis's CEO, voiced his optimism about the potential benefits for patients, noting that APP13007 offers a new benchmark for treating post-operative conditions, with faster recovery leading to a decrease in overall healthcare burdens.

About Formosa Pharmaceuticals

Formosa Pharmaceuticals (6838.TW) is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm that specializes in ophthalmology and oncology. Through its proprietary technologies, it develops solutions that allow the utilization of powerful drug agents while overcoming traditional delivery challenges. For additional information about their innovations and research, visit Formosa Pharmaceuticals’ website.

About Medvisis Switzerland AG

In Switzerland, Medvisis has established itself as a leading player focused on innovative specialty and rare disease pharmaceuticals. Their commitment to optimizing product access underscores their strategic importance in the healthcare ecosystem. More information on Medvisis and its portfolio can be found at Medvisis's website.