China-based Grand Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (HKG: 0512) has announced a significant licensing agreement with compatriot firm Corxel Pharmaceuticals (CORXEL), formerly known as Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals. The agreement grants Grand Pharma exclusive development and commercialization rights to CORXEL’s OC-01 (varenicline) nasal spray and OC-02 (simpinicline) nasal spray in Greater China, which includes China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
OC-01 (Varenicline) Nasal Spray: A Treatment for Dry Eye and Neurotrophic Keratopathy
OC-01 (varenicline) is a multi-dose, preservative-free, highly selective cholinergic agonist nasal spray under development to treat dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy. In August 2021, CORXEL struck a licensing deal with US-headquartered Oyster Point Pharma Inc., securing exclusive development and commercialization rights to the drug in Greater China. The drug received market approval in the US in October 2021 to treat dry eye and obtained a marketing nod in China last month.
OC-02 (Simpinicline) Nasal Spray: A Potent Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist
OC-02 (simpinicline) is a potent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist with activities on α4β2, α3β4, α3α5β4, and α4α6β2 receptors, and weak excitatory activity on α 7 receptors. The drug has completed a Phase IIb study in dry eye in the US, with results showing its ability to promote tear film production, thereby improving the signs and symptoms of dry eye patients.-Fineline Info & Tech
