Visara Licenses Eye Therapy VIS-102 from Wuhan Hiteck to Expand Pipeline

Visara, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of NovaBridge Biosciences (NASDAQ:NBP), has acquired exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Greater China, to develop and commercialize an investigational therapy for neurotrophic keratitis. The licensing deal with Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd. adds VIS-102, a modified recombinant human nerve growth factor therapy, to Visara's clinical pipeline as its second clinical-stage program.

Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare degenerative ocular condition caused by damaged corneal nerves, which can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent loss of vision. VIS-102 is engineered to enhance stability under refrigeration and improve resistance to enzymatic breakdown, allowing it to be supplied in ready-to-use single-dose units. In a Phase 1b trial involving Chinese patients with severe cases, half of the subjects receiving the highest dose achieved complete corneal healing after an eight-week treatment course. Wuhan Hiteck will receive an upfront payment, potential milestone payments, and tiered royalties on net sales.

Investors will watch as the drug progresses through its ongoing trial expansion phase, which tests six-times-daily and three-times-daily dosage regimens in Chinese patients. The deal expands Visara beyond retinal vascular treatments into ocular surface disease. Shares of NovaBridge Biosciences traded down 5.38% at 1.32 USD following the news.