TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME) announced on Wednesday that it has signed an option framework agreement with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) to advance the development of NOX-E36 for ophthalmic indications. The agreement sets out a revenue- and ownership-sharing model covering all rights to the RNA aptamer for ophthalmology, including glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS), as well as fibrosis and inflammation-related eye conditions.

Under the terms, TME Pharma secures an exclusive two-year option to out-license all ophthalmology-related rights to NOX-E36, either through a third-party licensee or a dedicated spin-out. TME Pharma will lead all commercial discussions, while SERI will conduct the first proof-of-concept Phase 1b clinical trial and pursue grant funding.

SERI has generated promising preclinical data showing that NOX-E36, a CCL2 inhibitor, could offer a safer, equally effective alternative to mitomycin C in preventing fibrosis after GFS - a common cause of surgical failure. Fibrosis is a major factor in vision loss across multiple eye diseases affecting millions globally, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

TME Pharma will provide drug supply and regulatory support, while SERI contributes ophthalmology research, animal testing and clinical trial execution. Both parties have filed joint patents and plan further IP development around NOX-E36's use in eye disorders.

The collaboration exemplifies TME Pharma's strategy to unlock value from its pipeline amid a corporate transition, while SERI continues to strengthen its global leadership in eye disease research.

TME Pharma remains focused on its core oncology pipeline, led by NOX-A12, currently in clinical development for glioblastoma and metastatic pancreatic cancer in collaboration with Merck (MSD).