Essex Bioinvestment Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Essex Biotechnology, on 13 October 2022 secured a series of agreements related to patents and know-how for SkQ1, an active pharmaceutical ingredient, developed by Mitotech S.A. Under these agreements, Mitotech grants Essex Bioinvestment worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and sell SkQ1-based therapeutic products in the field of ophthalmology.
About Mitotech S.A.
Mitotech S.A. is a Luxembourg-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel drugs targeting mitochondria. The core technology behind Mitotech products is based on a novel class of small molecules – cardiolipin peroxidation inhibitors. Company's lead compound SkQ1 is being developed in several drug formulations covering a variety of therapeutic areas with major focus on ophthalmology, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Please visit https://www.mitotechpharma.com.
About SkQ1 in Ophthalmology
SkQ1 addresses dry eye disease (DED) through a novel mechanism acting on the mitochondria at a cellular level. Unlike current standards of care, which act primarily as anti-inflammatory agents, SkQ1 has been shown to prevent tissue degeneration and to improve tear quality by targeting lipid peroxidation within the eye. The VISTA program (the clinical studies on an ophthalmic solution containing SkQ1 for DED) has now progressed to the Phase 3 clinical stage in the United States. In VISTA-1, a Phase 2b/3 clinical study in the United States (NCT03764735), and VISTA-2, a Phase 3 clinical study in the United States (NCT04206020), SkQ1 showed evidence of efficacy in reducing both the signs and symptoms in dry eye subjects. Additionally, glaucoma, Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), dry AMD, and uveitis programs for SkQ1 ophthalmic solution are at pre-clinical stage.
About Essex Biotechnology Ltd
Essex Biotechnology Ltd (HKG: 1061) is a bio-pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercialises genetically engineered therapeutic b-bFGF (FGF-2), with six biologics commercially available in China since 1998. Additionally, it has a portfolio of products of preservative-free unit-dose eye drops including Shilishun (Iodized Lecithin Capsules). The products are principally prescribed for the treatment of wounds and diseases in Ophthalmology and Dermatology, which are marketed and sold through approximately 10,710 hospitals and managed directly by its 43 regional sales offices in China. Leveraging on its in-house R&D platform in growth factor and antibody, the Company maintains a pipeline of projects in various clinical stages, covering a wide range of fields and indications. Please visit http://www.essexbio.com.