Clinical-stage biotechnology company TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME) announced on Monday a strategic plan to externalise and monetise its second clinical-stage asset, NOX-E36, targeting ophthalmic diseases. NOX-E36, an L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer inhibiting the CCL2 chemokine, has shown promising anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical studies by the Singapore Eye Research Institute.

Plans involve creating a separate corporate entity focused on developing NOX-E36 for ophthalmology to attract private investment. Preclinical and clinical data support a rapid transition to Phase 2 clinical trials. NOX-E36 has demonstrated efficacy in preventing fibrosis in glaucoma surgery models and has shown a strong safety and tolerability profile in 175 clinical trial participants.

Fibrosis significantly impacts the treatment of several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and primary open-angle glaucoma. NOX-E36's anti-fibrotic mode of action positions it as a potential solution for these conditions.

TME Pharma specializes in developing therapies targeting the tumour microenvironment (TME) and cancer immunity cycle. The company's lead candidate, NOX-A12, is being evaluated in Phase 1/2 trials for glioblastoma and other cancers, with promising results observed in combination with radiotherapy and bevacizumab.

NOX-E36's transition to a dedicated ophthalmology-focused entity will enable TME Pharma to leverage its potential in addressing unmet medical needs in eye diseases, furthering its strategy to focus on oncology treatments.