Strategic Collaboration to Innovate Ocular Solutions with Formosa Pharmaceuticals and SERI

Forging New Paths in Ophthalmic Treatments

In a promising development for ocular health, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has entered a strategic alliance with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) to propel the creation of cutting-edge ophthalmic formulations targeting corneal diseases. This collaboration is set to merge Formosa’s advanced APNT® (Active Pharmaceutical Nanoparticle Technology) with SERI’s top-tier clinical research abilities, which are guided by the expertise of renowned Clinician Scientist Associate Professor Yu-Chi Liu, MD, PhD.

Addressing Unmet Needs in Ocular Health

The partnership seeks to fulfill significant gaps in the treatment of corneal and ocular surface disorders, which often present challenging clinical scenarios. By fusing innovative and clinically-proven drug delivery technologies with profound clinical insights, the initiative aims to improve the effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety of treatments administered to patients suffering from ocular conditions. The overall goal is to bring new therapeutic options into clinical practice effectively and responsively.

A/Prof Yu-Chi Liu, a clinician scientist from the Singapore National Eye Center and the principal investigator at SERI, is optimistic about the research’s potential impact. Her extensive background in diabetic keratopathy and ocular surface inflammation is expected to steer the development of new formulations tailored for complex anterior segment conditions.

“Collaborating with Formosa Pharmaceuticals facilitates a unique bridge between innovative research and practical applications in patient treatment,” said A/Prof. Liu. “By utilizing APNT with our comprehensive knowledge in clinical scenarios, we aspire to develop therapies that are not just more efficient but also easier for patients to manage.”

Harnessing the Power of APNT®

Formosa Pharmaceuticals' APNT® technology is instrumental in creating stable, uniform nanoparticles by minimizing the particle size of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This innovative approach serves as a powerful mechanism for improving the delivery of poorly soluble drugs, ensuring they reach their designated targets effectively.

Erick Co, the President and CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals, expressed enthusiasm about working alongside SERI’s prestigious team. “The early findings have shown a compatible integration of APNT with SERI’s research frameworks, prompting us to broaden our collaborative efforts. SERI’s distinguished reputation in vision research, paired with their exceptional capabilities and infrastructure, makes them an unparalleled partner for this initiative.”

A Commitment to Advancement

Formosa Pharmaceuticals focuses primarily on addressing unmet medical needs, with a special emphasis on ophthalmology and oncology. The company’s unique APNT® platform acts as a streamlined process for creating formulations of poorly soluble drugs, thus enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. This approach was validated through the FDA approval of BYQLOVI™, a corticosteroid suspension aimed at addressing ocular inflammation and pain following surgical procedures. This validation showcases the potential of APNT® across various administration routes, including topical, oral, and respiratory methods.

SERI, established in 1997, serves as Singapore's national center for ophthalmic research, dedicating its mission to conducting impactful studies aimed at preventing blindness and reducing vision impairments. Acting as the research wing of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and a vital contributor to the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, SERI’s collaboration enables a robust exchange of knowledge and clinical data.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Formosa Pharmaceuticals and SERI stands to revolutionize the landscape of ocular therapies, paving the way for significant advancements that could improve patients' quality of life. Their combined efforts aim not only to elevate current standards of care but also to inspire future innovations within the field of ophthalmology.

For additional details, visit Formosa Pharmaceuticals at www.formosapharma.com and the Singapore Eye Research Institute at www.snec.com.sg.