ThromboGenics NV, an integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic medicines, has received Malaysian approval for its Jetrea (ocriplasmin) for the treatment of adults with vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns. The approval, the first in Asia, was gained following a Priority Review that was granted in September 2013.
ThromboGenics’ licensing partner Alcon, the global leader in eye health, holds the commercialization rights to Jetrea outside the US and will be responsible for the launch of the drug in Malaysia, the first market in Asia.
Alcon, the second largest division of Novartis, acquired the rights to commercialize Jetrea outside the United States in March 2012.
Alcon has already launched Jetrea in Europe; this novel pharmacological treatment is available and reimbursed in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and The Netherlands. Jetrea is also available and reimbursed in Canada. In Europe, patients in Belgium, France, Spain and Italy have also been treated with Jetrea.
ThromboGenics is commercializing the drug in the US where it is approved for the treatment of patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA).
Dr Patrik De Haes, CEO of ThromboGenics, says: “The approval of Jetrea in Malaysia, the first in Asia, is a further important milestone in ensuring the global availability of this novel medicine. We are optimistic that, in time, Jetrea will become the treatment of choice for the earlier treatment of patients with VMT in Asia.”