Bausch & Lomb and Talecris collaborate on ocular treatments

The companies will co-develop rPlasmin, a derivative of the human blood component plasmin which is used for treating blood clots. Bausch & Lomb believes this may have potential for use in developing innovative therapies for ocular conditions.

Bausch & Lomb is enrolling patients in early-stage clinical trials to evaluate Plasmin’s therapeutic potential to relieve retinal traction.

“We are already developing plasma-derived Plasmin for ocular indications. This agreement is significant because it gives us the opportunity to develop a next-generation recombinant version,” said Praveen Tyle Bausch & Lomb chief scientific officer and senior vice president.

“By partnering with Bausch & Lomb, we’re expanding the potential applications for rPlasmin to a field that could benefit thousands of additional patients,” said Steve Petteway, Talecris’ senior vice president of R&D.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bausch & Lomb will be responsible for development of rPlasmin for use in ophthalmology. Bausch & Lomb will make milestone payments based on the development and registration progress, and pay ongoing royalties based on product sales.