OccuLogix partners with Japanese firm

OccuLogix and the Japanese company Asahi Kasei Medical have announced a distribution agreement for the 2nd generation polysulfone Rheofilter component of OccuLogix's dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment system, Rheo.

Under the terms of the agreement, OccuLogix has exclusive rights to commercialize the Rheofilter in the US, Canada, Mexico, certain Caribbean countries, Columbia, Venezuela, New Zealand and Australia. It also retains non-exclusive commercialization rights in Italy.

As part of the deal, Asahi will contribute $3 million toward the costs of a new study examining the Rheo System, which is intended to support OccuLogix's pre-market approval application with the FDA.