BRIM Biotechnology, Inc. and Ora, Inc. announce new partnership to accelerate the development of regenerative peptide therapy, BRM421 for Dry Eye Syndrome

Taipei, Taiwan,  17th May 2022 / Sciad Newswire / BRIM Biotechnology, Inc. (“BRIM”), a clinical-stage company developing novel regenerative therapies in ophthalmology, today announces it has entered into a new strategic partnership with Ora^®, Inc. (“ORA”), the world’s leading ophthalmic research organization for the late-stage clinical development of lead drug candidate, BRM421, for dry eye syndrome (DES). BRIM intends to initiate Phase 3 clinical studies with Ora’s support later this year.

BRM421 is based on BRIM’s proprietary stem cell regenerative Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) derived Short Peptide (PDSP) technology platform, which underpins several products in its pipeline and has the potential to be effective in multiple therapy areas and indications. The functional domain of PEDF chosen to generate PDSPs can be used to treat DES by speeding up the cornea repair process through stimulation of corneal stem cell proliferation and differentiation, anti-inflammation and meibomian gland recovery.  

Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic disease that affects the productivity and quality of life of 1.52 billion people worldwide¹. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem, as prolonged time in front of screens is a risk factor for the disease. Other risk factors include aging, eye surgeries, dry environments, long-term wearing of contact lenses, and autoimmune diseases. Unlike current treatments, BRM421 is a novel, first-in-class regenerative peptide therapy which, if successful, could offer patients full relief of symptoms plus repair the damage to the cornea.

“Ora is passionate about addressing the challenges of DES and honoured to be working with the BRIM team to bring this first-in-class treatment closer to patients,” states George Oursler, Senior Vice President Anterior Segment at Ora. “The PDSP technology platform is unlike any currently available treatment for dry eye, and the evidence from studies completed thus far show strong potential that BRM421 can repair the corneal damage and alleviate the DES symptoms rapidly. We are excited to leverage the deep expertise Ora has in bringing new ocular health therapies to market to shape the upcoming Phase 3 trials for BRM421 and advance this novel DES therapy closer to approval.”

“This new partnership builds on the success of our previous collaboration for Phase 2 trials and will help to speed the progression of BRM421 through late-stage clinical development towards regulatory filing. BRIM’s translational science expertise, together with Ora’s extensive and successful track record in ophthalmic product development, will undoubtedly accelerate our timelines. With this new agreement in place we intend to initiate Phase 3 studies in Q4 this year and are thrilled at the prospect of bringing this potentially transformative treatment to patients sooner,” said Dr. Haishan Jang, President & Chief Executive Officer of BRIM. 

DES currently has no cure and requires continual disease management. Artificial tears with demulcents can retain surface moisture and immune modulators can help to control inflammation, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to repair damage. However, for moderate to severe patients, these types of treatments are often not enough to control discomfort unless there is a way to further speed up the healing process.

“Regenerative peptide, BRM421, has a unique mechanism of action which stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of corneal limbal stem cells which, as a result, speeds up corneal repair and heals ocular wounds in DES patients². BRM421 is on track to become the first DES treatment with rapid and total relief,” concluded Dr. Jang.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

BRIM Biotechnology, Inc.
Shih-Ya Chang
T: 886 2 2659 8586 #111
E: info@brimbiotech.com

Sciad Communications  
Maria Patey / Sophie Protheroe
T: 020 3405 7892
E: BrimBiotech@sciad.com

Notes to Editors

About BRIM Biotechnology, Inc.

BRIM Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing novel regenerative therapies in ophthalmology and degenerative joint diseases. Established in July 2013 to accelerate the development and transformation of early research technology platforms to clinical drug candidates, BRIM applies world-leading expertise in translational science to develop new treatments that help combat and cure disease. The company’s virtual business model, combined with its proprietary PDSP technology platform, bridges the gap between research and clinical development faster, de-risks the process, and accelerates the progression of early-stage candidates in indications with high unmet medical needs.

For more information, please visit www.brimbiotech.com.

About Ora^®, Inc. 

Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. For over 40 years, we have proudly helped our clients earn more than 55 product approvals and create vision beyond what they see. We support a wide array of organizations, from start-ups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, to efficiently bring their new products from concept to market. Ora's pre-clinical and clinical models, unique methodologies, and global regulatory strategies have been refined and proven across thousands of global projects. We bring together the world's most extensive and experienced team of ophthalmic experts, R&D professionals, and operations management to maximize the value of new product initiatives. Think ophthalmology, think Ora. For more information, please visit www.oraclinical.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ora^® is a registered trademark of Ora, Inc.

References:
1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dry-eye-disease-clinical-markets-2021-2029-marketed-and-pipeline-drugs-clinical-trials-upcoming-and-regulatory-events-epidemiology-licensing-and-acquisition-deals-drug-revenues-301328151.html
2. https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=277472