US-Taiwan partnership to develop treatment for dry eye disease

Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals has signed a non-binding terms agreement with US-based Eyenovia, Inc., whereby the companies will co-develop Clobetasol Propionate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.05% for the short-term relief of dry eye disease. 

Clobetasol propionate is a potent steroid that was approved in the US by the FDA on March 4, 2024, for the reduction of inflammation and pain associated with the estimated seven million ocular surgeries in the US.

The additional acute dry eye indication could expand the use of clobetasol among the millions of people who experience flare-ups. According to American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 80% of patients suffering from dry eye experience flare-ups. IQVIA estimates that approximately 2 million people are treated with prescription medications for dry eye in the US.

Clobetasol Propionate Ophthalmic Nanosuspension, 0.05% is the first product developed using Formosa's proprietary APNT nanoparticle formulation platform. Formosa's APNT platform reduces an active pharmaceutical ingredient's particle size with high uniformity and purity, thereby allowing penetration to relevant compartments in the eye, and ultimately enhancing bioavailability.