Stuart Therapeutics Enters License Agreement with Glaukos for Preclinical Glaucoma Drug Candidate

Stuart Therapeutics has entered into a license agreement with Glaukos under which it has granted Glaukos exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Stuart's proprietary ST-113 drug candidate for neuroprotection in glaucoma. 

ST-113 is a patented preclinical asset that has demonstrated the ability to provide neuroprotection and neuro-repair of optic nerve axons in animal testing, according to Stuart Therapeutics. It represents a therapeutic approach to glaucoma that is independent of control of IOP and that may provide a solution to normal tension glaucoma.

Specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Stuart will receive an upfront payment, and is eligible for additional development and sales related milestone payments, plus royalties. Glaukos will assume all costs for development of ST-113. 

"We are thrilled to have joined forces with Glaukos to develop the first neuroprotective therapeutic targeting the extracellular matrix, which based on our research plays an important role in glaucoma," Eric Schlumpf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stuart, said in a company news release. "We wanted to partner with a leader in glaucoma therapeutics to bring this innovative drug candidate to the millions of glaucoma patients across the world, and Glaukos has delivered in this important disease area. They bring critical focus on novel therapies, capabilities in drug product design and delivery, and commercial strength worldwide.  Stuart Therapeutics is proud to work with Glaukos on this important program." 

ST-113 is being investigated as a treatment for open angle glaucoma, including normal tension glaucoma. ST-113 is a synthesized collagen mimetic peptide, which selectively restores damaged helical collagen in the extracellular matrix. Based on Stuart's preclinical research results, ST-113 is believed to restore both the structural and cell signaling roles of collagen in the optic nerve region, reducing inflammation, and restoring nerve health. Stuart has been actively developing ST-113 for glaucoma, including the development of novel endpoints suitable for a neuroprotective approach to the disease.