Ophthalmology Sector Heats Up in 2026: Pharma Companies Accelerate Innovation and Strategic Moves

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry Dynamics] Affected by the popularity of electronic devices, aging population, and the rising myopia rate among teenagers, the number of patients with eye diseases continues to grow while the market for the ophthalmology healthcare industry is also experiencing rapid expansion. According to data, the global ophthalmic drug market size grew from $27.7 billion in 2016 to $35 billion in 2020, and it is projected to reach $73.4 billion by 2030.
 

Notably, with the continuous expansion of the ophthalmic drug market, pharmaceutical companies both in China and abroad have begun to accelerate their strategic presence in this field. Since 2026, many pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have announced completed financing and collaborations, along with new breakthroughs.
 

Recently, ophthalmic medical device company Avisi Technologies announced the completion of its Series A financing round, raising $10.7 million. The proceeds from this round will be used to advance Avisi's pivotal clinical trial, SAPPHIRE, and further develop Avisi’s product pipeline, which includes novel therapeutic solutions for the full spectrum of glaucoma diseases. It is reported that, as of this financing round, Avisi has completed 10 rounds of financing in total, accumulating a total funding amount of $21.7 million.
 

In February, Arctic Vison announced that it had reached a strategic agreement with MDCO. The plan is to integrate MDCO's ophthalmic device business into the Arctic Vison system to promote the joint construction of an integrated innovation platform for ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and devices globally. After the integration is completed, the two parties are expected to form a comprehensive pipeline, including Arctic Vison’s innovative capabilities in retinal and ocular surface drugs and devices, as well as MDCO’s core strengths in IOL and refractive lens R&D, design, manufacturing, and engineering technology.
 

In January, Anlong announced the completion of a nearly RMB 100 million Series B+ financing round. Focused on the gene therapy field, its research direction holds high potential in current gene therapy applications. The funds from this round will be used to advance the development and clinical translation of the ophthalmic wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) gene therapy project and AAV vector screening technology, which is expected to accelerate the company’s technological innovation and pipeline progression.
 

On January 28, Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1% for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Previously known as BRIMOCHOL PF, YUVEZZI is a fixed-dose combination formulation consisting of the cholinergic agonist carbachol and the alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist brimonidine tartrate. The drug is expected to launch in the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2026.
 

News on January 18: GEB-101, a new gene-editing therapeutic drug for hereditary corneal dystrophy independently developed by the team of Hong Jiaxu and Zhou Xingtao from the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, has received approval from the U.S. FDA for a new drug clinical trial. The clinical trial is expected to begin patient enrollment in the second quarter of 2026 in the United States, with plans to be conducted in China at an appropriate time. A sequential enrollment method will be adopted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of a single intrastromal corneal injection in patients.
 

On January 5, Xingqi Eye Medicine's 0.02% and 0.04% atropine sulfate eye drops received NMPA approval for marketing (Approval No. H20258301, H20258302). This marks another significant breakthrough in the field of myopia prevention and control for children following the approval of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops for slowing the progression of myopia in children in 2024. It will further enhance the effectiveness of myopia prevention and play a positive role in controlling myopia among adolescents.
 

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In general, driven by pharmaceutical companies both in and outside China, the ophthalmology field is entering a golden development period characterized by technology integration, long-term precision, integrated pharmaceuticals and devices, and full-cycle management. In the future, Chinese companies may leverage cost advantages, clinical resources, and rapid iteration to secure a place in global ophthalmic innovation.
 

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