Ophthalmology Breaking News: Weekly Roundup (Sep 23, 2025)

Sagent Pharmaceuticals Enters Ophthalmic Market with Travoprost Launch

📢 Sagent Pharmaceuticals has made its debut in ophthalmology with the launch of travoprost ophthalmic solution, USP 0.004%, for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

This marks Sagent’s first step into eye care, expanding its already robust pharmaceutical portfolio of over 100 injectable and specialty products. The company aims to build a broader ophthalmic line over the coming year. Travoprost, a prostaglandin analog, is indicated for patients at risk of progressive vision loss due to elevated IOP.

Dr. Vishy Chebrol, CEO of Sagent Pharmaceuticals said:

Expanding into the ophthalmic space marks a significant step in broadening our portfolio and reinforcing our trajectory of sustainable growth. We remain guided by our mission to improve patient outcomes, while leveraging our proven strengths in quality and reliability.

🔗 Explore how Sagent’s foray into ophthalmology could reshape the competitive landscape for IOP-lowering therapies.

Semaglutide Shows Retinal Protective Effects Against Diabetic Retinopathy

📢 Semaglutide may offer retinal protection beyond its glucose-lowering effects, according to new lab data presented at EASD 2025 and published in Pharmaceutics.

Researchers demonstrated that semaglutide-treated retinal endothelial cells showed significantly reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage under diabetic-like conditions. Cell viability nearly doubled, while apoptosis dropped from 50% to just 10%.

Lead investigator Dr. Ioanna Anastasiou said:

GLP-1 receptor agonists exerted powerful antioxidant effects which protected retinal cells against diabetes-related damage. Our findings suggest these drugs not only prevent harm but may also help repair existing retinal injury and improve vision.

While clinical validation is needed, these findings spotlight a potential new indication for GLP-1 therapies in the early management or prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

🔗 Uncover the full lab data and future potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in combating diabetic eye disease.

Ocugen and Kwangdong Ink Licensing Deal for OCU400 Gene Therapy in South Korea

📢 Ocugen and Kwangdong Pharmaceutical have finalized a licensing agreement for OCU400, a modifier gene therapy targeting retinitis pigmentosa (RP), in the South Korean market.

Under the agreement, Kwangdong secures exclusive commercialization rights in South Korea, supported by milestone payments and a 25% royalty structure. Ocugen will manage commercial supply and provide clinical data to support regulatory submissions.

Shankar Musunuri, CEO of Ocugen said:

OCU400 is a potential one-time therapy for life to treat RP.

The gene therapy has shown promising results in a Phase 1/2 trial, with a 2-line gain in low-luminance visual acuity in treated eyes, and is progressing toward Phase 3 under the liMeliGhT trial.

SungWon Choi, CEO of Kwangdong said:

Kwangdong is very excited to have the opportunity to provide a new treatment option to Korean patients suffering from RP.

🔗 Read how this licensing deal may accelerate gene therapy availability for inherited retinal diseases in Asia.

Formycon Expands FYB203 (Aflibercept Biosimilar) Reach via Horus Pharma Deal

📢 Formycon has broadened European access to its aflibercept biosimilar FYB203 through a new commercialization agreement between Klinge Biopharma and Horus Pharma.

The deal enables Horus Pharma to market the product, branded as Baiama, in select European countries including France. This complements the ongoing marketing of Ahzantive by Teva across much of Europe and Israel. FYB203 has received regulatory approvals from the FDA, EMA, and UK MHRA.

Nicola Mikulcik, CBO of Formycon said:

With Baiama marketed alongside Ahzantive, we can achieve the best possible therapeutic coverage and fully leverage the high market potential in Europe.

While financial details remain confidential, Formycon will receive mid–single-digit to low–double-digit revenue shares, service payments, and profit-based returns.

🔗 Dive into how this dual-brand strategy aims to maximize aflibercept biosimilar access across diverse European healthcare markets.

Optain Health Raises $26M to Advance AI-Driven Retinal Screening

📢 Optain Health has secured $26 million in Series A funding to support its U.S. expansion and international growth of its AI-based retinal screening platform.

Led by Insight Partners and supported by major U.S. health systems—including Memorial Hermann, Northwell Health, and UPMC—the funding will accelerate deployment of Optain’s Oculomics platform. The technology leverages a non-invasive robotic camera and AI workflows to detect diseases such as DR, AMD, and glaucoma at the point of care.

CEO Jeff Dunkel said:

Our mission is simple: faster, easier, more equitable disease screening. This Series A funds our enterprise deployments, opens new markets, and pushes the frontier of what the retina can reveal.

Backed by over a decade of Australian research, Optain plans further R&D and team expansion to support its international reach.

🔗 Learn how AI and robotic imaging are transforming primary care screening through the eye’s window to systemic health.

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