Bausch + Lomb has broadened its ophthalmology pipeline through the acquisition of Whitecap Biosciences, a company focused on developing innovative therapies for glaucoma and geographic atrophy (GA). The acquisition includes two investigational medicines with the potential to significantly impact the treatment landscape for these debilitating eye conditions.
Yehia Hashad, MD, chief medical officer and executive vice president, of research & development, Bausch + Lomb, stated, "Glaucoma and geographic atrophy are two areas where we believe that dramatic improvement is possible. Whitecap Biosciences’ investigational medicines show real promise when it comes to slowing vision loss and perhaps even improving vision for patients with glaucoma, which would be a long-overdue breakthrough."
WB007: A Promising Glaucoma Therapy
Whitecap Biosciences' lead asset, WB007 (NCT04149899), is a highly potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has completed Phase 2 clinical trials for glaucoma. The study evaluated the safety and IOP-lowering effects of WB007 in adults with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in both eyes. The results demonstrated a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline at day 14, suggesting a potential for WB007 to become an effective treatment for managing glaucoma.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Vision Loss
Glaucoma and geographic atrophy are significant causes of vision loss worldwide, with many patients experiencing progressive deterioration. Scott Whitcup, MD, a founder and former CEO of Whitecap Biosciences, noted, "Glaucoma and geographic atrophy can cause severe vision loss, with many patients experiencing progressive deterioration. By joining a global leader like Bausch + Lomb, we hope Whitecap’s assets will be developed into effective treatments that improve visual outcomes for patients."
Future Development Plans
Bausch + Lomb plans to conduct additional clinical trials to further evaluate the potential of WB007 in glaucoma and the other therapy in GA. These trials will aim to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of these investigational medicines, with the goal of bringing new treatment options to patients suffering from these vision-threatening conditions.
