Ophthalmic Market Sees Surge in Product Approvals and M&A Activity Amid Industry Transformation

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry Dynamics】 Recently, the ophthalmology field has seen a dense交织 of product approvals and acquisition integrations. The industry believes that these dynamics indicate that the ophthalmology sector has entered a new cycle of accelerated innovation and intensified platform integration.
 

　　Approval of Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices
 

On March 22, Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited announced that GPN01768 (TP-03, 0.25% Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution), a globally innovative ophthalmic drug recently introduced by the company for treating Demodex blepharitis, has officially received the drug registration certificate from the National Medical Products Administration of China.
 

It is reported that in March 2024, Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, obtaining exclusive development, production, and commercialization rights in the Greater China region. According to publicly disclosed data from Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, GPN01768 generated approximately US$180 million in revenue in the United States in 2024, with an estimated revenue of approximately US$450 million in the United States for 2025.
 

On March 13, the National Medical Products Administration approved the registration application of Super Vision Technology, Inc. for its implantable ocular muscle neurostimulator, intended to improve congenital horizontal nystagmus symptoms in patients aged 8 years and above.
 

The product consists of a stimulator, receiving coil, electrode array, annular electrode, and internal magnet, and is used in conjunction with specific external power supply equipment. It adopts implantable extraocular muscle neuromuscular stimulation technology to improve horizontal nystagmus symptoms through electrical stimulation of the extraocular rectus muscles. Compared with existing clinical treatment options, it features minimal local trauma, strong controllability, and stable therapeutic effects.
 

On March 11, Xingqi Pharmaceutical announced that the first subject had been enrolled in the Phase I clinical trial of its SQ-24071 eye drops, officially commencing the trial. The drug is intended to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, classified as a Category 2.2 and 2.4 chemical medicine, with an ophthalmic solution formulation.
 

This trial is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed at evaluating the safety and tolerability of SQ-24071 eye drops in healthy participants after single/multiple doses. It also analyzes and evaluates systemic exposure and assesses the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug.
 

　　M&A Integration
 

On March 30, ophthalmic care platform Vision Innovation Partners (referred to as "VIP") announced the acquisition of the Frederick Eye Institute. The Frederick Eye Institute specializes in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. The clinic also utilizes new technologies to provide advanced care for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, as well as routine eye examinations.
 

On March 24, Top Choice Medical Investment Co., Inc. announced that the company plans to acquire 100% equity in Hangzhou Cunji Eyewear Co., Ltd., Ningbo Guangji Optometry Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Guangji Optometry Technology Co., Ltd., and Xinchang Guangji Eyewear Co., Ltd. for 600 million yuan of its own funds. The four target companies are mainly distributed in the fields of eyewear retail and optometric services. This acquisition will be a combination of "mature assets + cultivated assets," which will help extend Top Choice Medical’s ophthalmic industry chain further downstream, expanding from diagnostic and treatment services to include refraction testing, eyeglass fitting, and daily vision management.
 

On March 23, pharmaceutical distribution company Cencora announced that it would acquire the retina business of EyeSouth Partners, an ophthalmic medical service provider, for $1.1 billion to expand its ophthalmic medical sector.
 

　　Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall the information or opinions expressed in this article constitute investment advice to any person.