BRIEF—Formosa Pharma plans to file for US approval of eye treatment

Taiwan biotech Formosa Pharmaceuticals plans to file a new drug application (NDA) in the USA for its eye treatment asset APP13007, which, according to the company, is the first eye drug using clobetasol, a steroid usually for skin conditions.

APP13007 treats cataract surgery-related eye pain and inflammation, and if approved could challenge the likes of Ocular's Dextenza (dexamenthasone) and Novartis' Durezol (difluprednate).

Formosa is also actively seeking licensing deals in the USA and said it is in talks with at least three potential partners.

In China, the asset was licensed to Wuhan-based Grand Pharma in 2021.

Grand Pharma expects to initiate studies in China as soon as in June.