Vitreomacular adhesion treatment under EMA review

It has been announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is currently reviewing Ocriplasmin as the first pharmacological treatment for vitreomacular adhesion (VMA).

The treatment, developed by ThromboGenics, has successfully completed two Phase III clinical trials for VMA - including macular hole. It is delivered via intravitrieal injection and targets the fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen fibres that are attached to the vitreous. European availability of ocriplasmin could enable retinal specialists to treat patients earlier, compared to surgery.

Alcon has planned to collaborate with ThromboGenics to commercialize ocriplasmin in over 40 countries, including those in Europe. The firm will initially invest €75 million into ThromboGenics’s strategic role in marketing ocriplasmin to the US, whereas Alcon will focus on European commercialization.

Dr Patrik De Haes, CEO of ThromboGenics, said, “We are pleased that Alcon has recognized the potential of ocriplasmin to change the way symptomatic VMA including macular hole is treated. Alcon is the ideal partner for an innovative retinal therapy given its global sales, marketing and medical capabilities in the ophthalmic market and its commitment to making ocriplasmin a success.”