Santen and Singapore Eye Research Institute Launch $21 Million Collaboration to Develop Disease-Modifying Eye Therapies
Key Insights
Japan's Santen Pharmaceutical and Singapore Eye Research Institute have launched SONIC 2.0, a $21 million three-year research collaboration to develop first-in-class, disease-modifying therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases.
The initiative focuses on developing novel compounds for glaucoma (search), anti-scarring agents, improved myopia (search) control treatments, and presbyopia (search) therapies, aiming to generate two new clinical-stage candidates by 2028.
This collaboration builds on the successful SONIC 1.0 partnership that resulted in 13 research projects, six joint patents, and the first low-dose atropine drops approved for myopia (search) treatment in Japan.
Japan's Santen Pharmaceutical and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) have launched the Santen–SERI Open Innovation Center (SONIC) 2.0, a $21 million research collaboration designed to accelerate translational development of first-in-class, disease-modifying therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. The three-year initiative, running from December 2025 to November 2028, combines Santen's pharmaceutical expertise with SERI's clinical and translational research capabilities.
Focused Research Strategy
SONIC 2.0 represents a strategic shift from its predecessor, adopting a more focused and targeted approach compared to the exploratory nature of SONIC 1.0. The collaboration aims to enable deeper mechanistic studies of disease-modifying therapies across four key research areas.
The initiative includes discovery and optimization of novel compounds for glaucoma (search), investigation of anti-scarring agents for multi-disease applications, development of improved treatments for myopia (search) control including strategies that may halt disease progression, and establishment of a new nonclinical model for presbyopia (search) with application in evaluating therapeutic candidates.
Clinical Development Goals
The partnership aims to generate two new clinical-stage candidates and expand the ophthalmic drug pipeline for Asia and beyond. SERI and Santen expect the initiative to deliver tangible translational outcomes and contribute to Singapore's biomedical innovation landscape through talent development, commercialization, and future product launches projected by 2035.
The collaboration will explore the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, in evaluating potential therapies for presbyopia (search), the age-related condition that impacts the eye's ability to focus on near objects. Anti-scarring agents under investigation can help prevent vision loss caused by excessive scar tissue due to eye disease and after surgery.
Building on Previous Success
SONIC 2.0 builds on the achievements of SERI and Santen's strategic partnership since 2014, including the successful SONIC 1.0 collaboration valued at $37 million from 2017 to 2023. The previous initiative established a joint laboratory at the Academia building on the Singapore General Hospital campus in Outram and resulted in 13 research projects across various areas, including diabetic retinopathy (search), myopia (search), dry eye (search) and glaucoma (search), with six joint patents filed.
A significant achievement from SONIC 1.0 was the development of the first low-dose atropine drops approved for use in Japan, which were launched in April 2025. Low-dose atropine is used to slow the progression of myopia (search) in children. According to Santen chief operating officer Rie Nakajima, these drops will also progressively be made available in China as well as other parts of Asia.
Addressing Global Eye Health Burden
Professor Aung Tin, SNEC chief executive and principal investigator for the SONIC 2.0 programme, highlighted the growing burden of eye conditions affecting patients worldwide. He described myopia (search) as a huge problem, particularly in Asia, affecting approximately 2.6 billion people worldwide.
Singapore has one of the highest prevalence rates of myopia (search) globally, with more than 80% of the adult population having the condition. A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology in 2024 suggested that by 2050, Asia would have the highest prevalence of myopia, affecting about 69% of the population.
"We hope to bring together our research and innovation ecosystems to work together and to deliver new solutions," said Professor Aung Tin. The collaboration is supported under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, which aims to enhance the nation's research and development capabilities.