Aerie Pharmaceuticals and Ramot at Tel Aviv University form research collaboration

The proprietary technology was originally developed by a team headed by Prof. Ehud Gazit of the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University.

The technology is based on the combination of non-coded a-aminoisobutyric acid and aromatic recognition module to construct a novel chemical entity that is a safe and potent inhibitor of the formation of toxic amyloid assemblies.

The collaboration will focus on evaluating Ramot’s preclinical anti-beta amyloid small molecule product candidate for neuroprotection in glaucoma and for reduction of geographic atrophy in advanced dry AMD.

Beta amyloid is elevated in diseased tissues of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma and dry AMD. Neurotoxic amyloid beta molecular complexes, or oligomers, are considered to be a common pathological agent leading to degeneration of neurons and neurosensory cells.

Under the terms of the license agreement, Aerie will be responsible for all research and development activities. Ramot will receive development milestone payments from Aerie and will receive royalty payments upon successful commercialization of any products arising from the collaboration.

The terms of the agreement provide for a one-year research collaboration and include an exclusive option for Aerie to obtain from Ramot an exclusive license to pursue further development of this preclinical anti-beta amyloid product candidate for all ophthalmic indications, including both front and back of the eye.

Initial commitments, including research and execution investments, are not considered material to Aerie’s financial statements at this time.

Aerie’s Chairman and CEO Vicente Anido said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Ramot. We believe that their small molecule anti-beta amyloid product candidate may evolve into novel therapies for two areas of critical need in ophthalmology, including the ability to protect the optic nerve from further deterioration in glaucoma patients, and serving the sizeable dry AMD market.

"In addition, since we have the rights to all ophthalmic indications for this product candidate, we intend to investigate other possible applications for this compound including when dosed topically. This collaboration is yet another important step for Aerie as we continue to build our pipeline of product candidates in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space."

Ramot CEO Shlomo Nimrodi said: "We believe Aerie is the right partner to explore the full potential of this exciting molecule in ophthalmology.

"We have observed solid preclinical evidence that beta amyloid is a compelling target for both glaucoma and dry AMD, and we have great confidence that Aerie will pursue this opportunity with a high level of scientific acumen and diligence."