Link Biologics and Théa Open Innovation enter partnership to develop Link_TSG6 for Dry Eye Disease
London, United Kingdom, 12 September 2023 - Link Biologics Limited and Théa Open Innovation today announced that they have entered into an agreement to co-develop Link_TSG6 for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and other ophthalmology indications, worldwide excluding Asia.
Link_TSG6 is a biological drug based on human TSG-6, a protein that has an intrinsic role to protect tissues from inflammatory damage. Link_TSG6 has been shown to have potent disease modifying properties in various preclinical models, including models of Dry Eye Disease.
Link Biologics was spun-out from the University of Manchester in 2021, based on the research of Professor Tony Day and Doctor Caroline Milner, who are both co-founders of the company.
Under the terms of the exclusive license and co-development agreement, in parallel with an equity investment from Théa Open Innovation, Link Biologics will be responsible for all DED research and development up to the end of Phase 2 trials, with Théa taking over responsibilities, including commercialisation, thereafter. Link Biologics will receive an upfront payment (undisclosed) and reimbursement of research and development costs and is also eligible to receive up to £216 million, based on development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The deal additionally includes tiered royalties on future net sales of Link_TSG6 products within the ophthalmology field.
Reuben Dawkins, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Link Biologics said: “At Link Biologics we have a mission to set a new standard of care and transform outcomes for people living with inflammatory and tissue degenerative disorders. Partnering with Théa, a leader in ophthalmology products with a wealth of expertise in preservative-free eye drops, reinforces the value of our asset and accelerates our journey to reach those in need. We are extremely excited to commence this partnership.”
Jean-Frédéric Chibret, President of Théa Group, added: “this collaboration showcases Théa’s dedication to delivering therapeutic solutions for dry eye conditions, addressing a significant unmet medical need. We are thrilled to partner with Link Biologics, an innovative company led by an expert founding team, presenting a biological drug that we see as highly promising. This aligns with our mission to provide cutting-edge ophthalmic solutions to eye care specialists and patients.”
"There remains a desperate need for treatments that significantly improve the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease", said Professor Tony Day, Chief Scientific Officer of Link Biologics. "With Théa on board we are now focused on advancing Link_TSG6 towards first in human trials. It would be tremendously rewarding if, one day, we were to see Link_TSG6 'at the bedside' and truly making a difference to the lives of DED and other patients.
Link Biologics was advised by Fieldfisher, with assistance from partners Sam Jardine and Janita Good, and Vicky Reinhardt and Josh Cronin. Théa Open Innovation was advised by Dentons with assistance from Emmanuelle de Schepper and Christopher Winn.
About Link Biologics
Link Biologics is a preclinical biotechnology company developing Link_TSG6, a protein biological drug, as a treatment for the life-limiting effects of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Link_TSG6 is based on the human TSG-6 protein, which has an endogenous role to protect tissues from inflammatory damage. The company's lead development programme for Link_TSG6 is Dry Eye Disease (DED), an inflammatory condition affecting ~350 million people worldwide where patients experience persistent eye irritation, blurred vision, pain and decreased quality of life. The company’s second development programme for Link_TSG6 is Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), a debilitating condition affecting ~365 million people where chronic pain and loss of joint function severely limit daily activities.
Further information is available at www.linkbiologics.co.uk
About Théa Open Innovation
Théa Open Innovation (TOI) is a sister company of Théa. TOI's mission is to establish partnerships with startups, biotech companies, and universities to help bring the most cutting-edge eye care products to the market.
See: www.theaopeninnovation.com
About Théa
Théa is the leading independent European pharmaceutical company specialised in the research, development, and commercialisation of eye care products. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, this family-owned and -run company comprises about 1900 employees and has expanded by opening more than 35 affiliates and offices in Europe, North Africa, North and South America, and the Middle East. Its products are available in 75 countries. In 2022, Théa’s turnover reached $941 million.
Learn more about Théa at https://www.laboratoires-thea.com