Novartis adds novel dry eye drug to pipeline

Novartis has exercised an option to license ECF843–a potential first-in-class dry eye treatment–in countries outside of Europe.

Developed by Boston-based biotech Lubris LLC, ECF843 is a recombinant form of human lubricin, an endogenous glycoprotein that protects ocular surface tissues from shear stress and friction. Previous research has shown that lubricin is underexpressed in dry eye patients.

"ECF843 has the potential to be the first therapeutic to provide rapid relief of dry eye symptoms and significantly improve signs," said Vasant Narasimhan, MD, global head of drug development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis.

In a small phase 2 clinical study, ECF843 demonstrated immediate improvement of dry eye symptoms and improvement of clinical signs within 28 days. There were no treatment-related adverse events.

The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.