Ocumension gains approval for Zerviate for ocular itching in China

French ophthalmics company Nicox (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124) announced that its exclusive Chinese partner, Ocumension Therapeutics, has received approval of the New Drug Application (NDA) to commercialize Zerviate (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24% in China for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

“The approval of Zerviate for commercialization in China is an excellent achievement by our partner, Ocumension Therapeutics. We trust in their capabilities to support a quick launch and use their strong commercial presence across China to maximize market penetration. This new commercial launch will add aother revenue stream to Nicox as we will receive from 5% to 9% royalties and commercial milestones on Ocumension’s net sales of Zerviate in China. Ocumension forecasts peak sales in excess of $100 million annually within 7 years,” said Emmet Purtill, vice president business development of Nicox.

Zerviate is the first and only eye drop formulation of the antihistamine cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, and is currently commercialized in the USA for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis by Nicox’s exclusive US partner, Harrow Inc.