Aerie, Ramot enter research collaboration

Aerie Pharmaceuticals and Ramot at Tel Aviv University have entered a research collaboration and license agreement for a preclinical anti-beta amyloid small molecule product candidate, according to a press release from Aerie.

The product will be evaluated for neuroprotection in glaucoma and for reduction of geographic atrophy in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.

“We believe that [Ramot’s] small molecule anti-beta amyloid product candidate may evolve into novel therapies for two areas of critical need in ophthalmology, including the ability to protect the optic nerve from further deterioration in glaucoma patients, and serving the sizeable dry AMD market,” Vicente Anido Jr., PhD, chairman and CEO of Aerie, said in the release.

Under the terms of the 1-year license agreement, Aerie will be responsible for all research and development activities, and Ramot will receive development milestone payments from Aerie and royalty payments upon commercialization of any products that come from the collaboration.

The terms also provide an option for Aerie to obtain an exclusive license to pursue further development of the product candidate for all ophthalmic indications, including both front and back of the eye, the release said.

In addition to the research collaboration, Aerie announced the appointment of Richard “Rick” Lewis, MD, as chief medical officer, Sushanta Mallick, PhD, as vice president of clinical research for glaucoma and Mini Balaram, MD, as medical director of clinical and medical affairs.