Nicox Partners With Laboratorios Grin to Bring Zerviate to Mexico

Nicox SA announced the signature of an exclusive license agreement with Laboratorios Grin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lupin Limited, for the registration and commercialization of Zerviate (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% in Mexico for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Grin is a Mexican specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of branded ophthalmic products.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“With this licensing deal we welcome the first Latin American partner to our Zerviate collaboration portfolio, showing the continued worldwide interest by specialist ophthalmic companies in new entrants in the allergic conjunctivitis space,” Gavin Spencer, Chief Business Officer of Nicox, said in a company news release. “Laboratorios Grin are leaders in ophthalmology in Mexico, with over 60 years of experience in this field, and so are the ideal partner for Nicox to commercialize our Zerviate in this market. With in-house manufacturing and regulatory capabilities, Laboratorios Grin will be able to manage all aspects of the process to approve Zerviate, relying on the U.S. filing to support their regulatory submission.”

Grin is granted rights to develop and commercialize cetirizine ophthalmic solution, 0.24% in Mexico. Nicox will receive an undisclosed license fee and potential milestone payments linked to regulatory approval and sales, and is eligible to receive double digit royalties on net sales of Zerviate. Grin will be responsible, at its own cost, for the development, manufacturing and the commercialization of Zerviate in Mexico.