NTC Grants to Zhaoke Exclusive License and Distribution Rights in Asia for NTC014 for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Italy-based NTC and Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology Pharmaceuticals Limited announced  an agreement for exclusive license and distribution rights of NTC014 fixed combination of a quinolone antibiotic and a NSAID in eye drops. Zhaoke will market NTC014 in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and South Korea. 

NTC014 aims to provide physicians with a rational treatment for moderate-severe bacterial conjunctivitis. Actual treatment is mainly based on antibiotics combined/or not with steroids with no clear time window of administration. NTC014 is a first in class eye drop solution combining an antibiotic highly effective on the bacteria most frequently involved in eye infections and an NSAID controlling signs and symptoms associated with inflammation.  

“We are proud to partner with Zhaoke, an innovative oriented company,” Riccardo Carbucicchio, Chief Executive Officer, NTC, said in a company news release. “NTC014 will make a next level treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis available to millions of patients. It targets a more rapid ‘signs and symptoms’ response compared to available solutions with no limitation of usage. In addition, NTC014 is consistent with our mission to contribute to fighting antibiotic resistance by using less antibiotics, for a shorter treatment duration.”  

Dr. Benjamin Li, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Zhaoke Ophthalmology Limited, says “We are excited about this partnership with NTC which perfectly embraces our mission of bringing innovative therapies to patients in China and Asian countries. Moreover, NTC’s NTC014 fixed dose combination strengthens Zhaoke’s already comprehensive ophthalmology pipeline. We look forward to working together with NTC to develop this product for patients in need.”