Recombinant human NGF is in development for treating neurotrophic keratitis, dry eye, and glaucoma.
Dompé has acquired the remaining 51% in ophthalmology biopharma Anabasis for up front and milestone payments related to development and commercialization of the latter’s lead nerve growth factor (NGF). In January 2011, Dompé took a 49% stake in Anabasis as part of a deal through which it acquired rights to use NGF for treating neurotrophic keratitis.
The firm says it has now succeeded in developing a process for the industrial GMP production of recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) at its biotech plant in Italy. “The acquisition of Anabasis will lay the foundation stone of a new ophthalmology franchise and will create new strategic positions for Dompé,” notes CEO Eugenio Aringhieri.
“Anabasis is an excellent addition to our growing pipeline and furthers our strategy of accessing high-growth segments of the international healthcare market, reducing our risk profile while focusing on patient needs.” Anabasis is developing NGF for the treatment of disorders of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, including dry eye and glaucoma.
