Glaukos Corporation has signed an exclusive agreement with Stuart Therapeutics to receive the global exclusive rights to Stuart’s proprietary glaucoma candidate: ST-113.
I’m familiar with Glaukos, but refresh me on Stuart.
Founded in 2017 and based in Stuart, Florida, Stuart Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a goal to address chronic disease indications of the eye including dry eye disease (DED), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Currently under development is a synthesized polypeptide therapeutic called PolyCol, which targets specific areas of collagen damage that can be affected in chronic eye diseases with the added benefit to potentially heal these ocular tissues.
Tell me more about PolyCol.
The therapeutic platform operates as a direct tissue reparative for extracellular matrix (ECM) helical collagen membranes and structures in the eye—effectively the first technology to target damaged collagen in eye diseases.
PolyCol is specifically designed to bind or intercalate into the key damaged areas of cellular tissue, “restoring cell signaling and the structural role collagen plays in healthy tissues,” for diseases such as
- DED (ST-100)
- Glaucoma (ST-113 … more on that in a moment)
- AMD (ST-109)
Quick work, rapid restoration of tissue health, and reduced inflammation are the target results, according to the company.
What else to know?
To note, the company’s first drug candidate is ST-100, formulated as an eye drop and currently in clinical trials for providing rapid improvement in DED signs and symptoms, utilizing the PolyCol platform.
Now how does this tie into ST-113?
ST-113 is a proprietary drug candidate from Stuart that is currently in the investigational new drug (IND)-enabling phase of development.
The chemical entity is designed to repair and restore helical collagen in the affected tissues of eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), including normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).
More specifically, it works to possibly restore normal collagen cell signaling function and protect the nerve axons–—thus minimizing or halting vision loss.
Any clinical data on it?
Per Stuart, the patented pre-clinical asset has demonstrated its ability to provide neuroprotection and neuro-repair of optic nerve axons in animal models.
And that’s significant because …. ?
This is potentially groundbreaking, as it means ST-113 is a possible therapeutic candidate for glaucoma that operates independently of intraocular pressure (IOP) control as a form of treatment for NTG.
Gotcha. Finally, back to this deal; what does it include?
Per the agreement, Stuart will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for additional milestone payments relating to sales and development (plus royalties).
As for development costs, Glaukos will cover everything.