Shanghai-based Corxel Pharmaceuticals (CORXEL), supported by RTW Investments, has announced that its OC-01 (varenicline) nasal spray has been approved by the Hainan Medical Products Administration as a clinically urgently needed import drug in Bo’ao Super Hospital. This marks a significant milestone as the product is the world’s first and only nasal spray developed for the treatment of dry eye.
OC-01 (varenicline): A Breakthrough in Dry Eye Treatment
OC-01 (varenicline) is a multi-dose packaged, preservative-free, and highly selective cholinergic agonist nasal spray under development to treat dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy. The approval in Hainan highlights the potential of this novel treatment approach in addressing a common but debilitating condition.
Global Partnership and Market Expansion
In August 2021, Ji Xing struck a licensing deal with US-headquartered Oyster Point Pharma Inc. (NASDQ: OYST), securing exclusive development and commercialization rights to the drug in Greater China. This partnership underscores the global recognition of OC-01’s potential and paves the way for its broader market introduction. The drug has already obtained market approval in the US in October 2021 for the treatment of dry eye, further validating its efficacy and safety profile.-Fineline Info & Tech
