TAMPA, Fla., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirion Therapeutics, Inc., an ophthalmic-focused pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has reached an exclusive licensing agreement with Laboratorios Sophia S.A. de C.V. of Mexico for the U.S. rights to develop and market a unique topical solution with the active ingredient cyclosporine A for ophthalmic use.
Cyclosporine A is a potent and versatile compound that modulates the body’s immune system.
According to Sirion CEO Barry Butler, the company plans to initiate a clinical program for the product, designated ST-603, in the first half of 2007. “We think the unique properties of the ST-603 formulation can position it to gain significant market share in the U.S. ophthalmic cyclosporine market,” said Butler.
Under the agreement, Sirion will have the rights to develop, use, obtain governmental approval for, manufacture, sell, distribute and promote ST-603 throughout the U.S. and all U.S. territories and possessions. The compound will be formulated in the Sophisen ocular delivery system, a patented carrier of ophthalmic drug compounds (US Patent 6,071,958). Terms of the license agreement were not disclosed.
About Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.
Sirion Therapeutics is a Tampa, FL based company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmic products. For more information, visit http://www.siriontherapeutics.com .
About Laboratorios Sophia S.A. de C.V.
Laboratoios Sophia is a research oriented ophthalmic pharmaceutical company located in Guadalajara, Mexico. With more than 60 products in distribution, Laboratorios Sophia is a leader in the ophthalmic markets in Mexico, Central America and South America. The company continues to focus research and development efforts toward treatments for numerous ophthalmic diseases including glaucoma, allergy and ocular inflammation. For more information, visit http://www.sophia.com.mx .
Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.
CONTACT: Penny Cobb, Sirion Therapeutics, +1-813-496-7325, ext. 221
