Ocriplasmin approved in Switzerland

Swissmedic, the Swiss surveillance authority for medical products and devices, has approved Jetrea (ocriplasmin) for treating adults with vitreomacular traction (VMT).

Jetrea is the first pharmacological treatment for VMT and was approved by the European Commission in the European Union in March 2013. The drug is available and reimbursed in the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, The Netherlands and Canada.

“This latest approval confirms our strong belief that Jetrea, in time, will become the treatment of choice for the earlier treatment of patients with VMT,” said Dr. Patrik De Haes, CEO of ThromboGenics, which makes Jetrea.

Separately, the company announced total revenue for 2013 of €112.8 million compared with €75.1 million in 2012. ThromboGenics had net financial income of €0.9 million in 2013 compared with €1.3 million in 2012.

A key source of revenue in 2013 was the €90 million in upfront payment received from Alcon as part of the strategic agreement to commercialize Jetrea outside of the United States. Alcon will be responsible for the launch of Jetrea in Switzerland.

ThromboGenics is commercializing the drug in the United States, where it is approved for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, and launched Jetrea in the U.S. in mid-January 2013.