Bausch and Lomb acquires option for dry eye treatment

Bausch and Lomb has agreed a deal with Mimetogen for an option to license a promising new therapy for dry eye syndrome.

The compound, called MIM-D3, is currently in phase II development and functions by stimulating the production of mucin, which plays a critical role in the protection and overall health of the ocular surface.

In doing so, it can help to lubricate the eye, remove allergens, pathogens and debris and encourage corneal epithelial healing, while also enhancing neural function to improve corneal sensitivity and integrity.

Bausch and Lomb will pay Mimetogen an upfront option fee, with an exclusive global licensing deal to be triggered by the availability of topline results from a phase III study.

Dr Cal Roberts, chief medical officer at Bausch and Lomb, said: "Bausch and Lomb is committed to delivering effective ophthalmic therapeutic solutions for eye care professionals and their patients, and dry eye represents a significant unmet need."

Last month, the company published a US-based study showing that many people are exacerbating their risk of suffering dry eye due to the amount of time they spend looking at screens at work and at home.