Nicox Announces Approval of ZERVIATE in China

• Nicox’s partner, Ocumension Therapeutics, has received approval for ZERVIATE^® for ocular itching in China
• ZERVIATE^® launch in China will add a further royalty revenue stream for Nicox

September 18, 2024 – release at 7:30 am CET
Sophia Antipolis, France

Nicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that its exclusive Chinese partner, Ocumension Therapeutics, has received approval of the New Drug Application (NDA) to commercialize ZERVIATE^® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24% in China for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

“The approval of ZERVIATE for commercialization in China is an excellent achievement by our partner, Ocumension Therapeutics. We trust in their capabilities to support a quick launch and use their strong commercial presence across China to maximize market penetration. This new commercial launch will add another revenue stream to Nicox as we will receive from 5% to 9% royalties and commercial milestones on Ocumension’s net sales of ZERVIATE in China. Ocumension forecasts peak sales in excess of $100 million annually within 7 years.” said Emmet Purtill, VP Business Development of Nicox.

ZERVIATE is the first and only eye drop formulation of the antihistamine cetirizine, the active ingredient in ZYRTEC^®, and is currently commercialized in the U.S. for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis by Nicox’s exclusive U.S. partner, Harrow, Inc.  

Ocumension emphasizes that ZERVIATE is suitable for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis in toddlers and preschoolers, which significantly fills the medical gap in this field and benefits the vast number of children in China.   Ocumension plans to manufacture ZERVIATE in their new state-of-the-art purpose-built manufacturing facility located in Suzhou, China. ZERVIATE will be promoted by Ocumension’s commercial team and its extensive network of national and provincial distribution partners. The prescription market for allergic conjunctivitis products in China is expected¹ to grow to almost $500 million by 2030.

ZERVIATE is exclusively licensed to Ocumension for development and commercialization in the Chinese and the majority of the Southeast Asian markets. Nicox may potentially receive sales milestones of up to US$17.2 million together with royalties from 5% to 9% of net sales of ZERVIATE by Ocumension. Since Nicox’s recent successful financing, Ocumension is now its principal shareholder.