Biopharmaceutical company Oculis SA revealed on Thursday the launch of an agreement to in license a novel topical anti-TNF alpha antibody,named LME 636, from Novartis for treating inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment of the eye including Dry Eye Disease.

The in-licensing of LME636, which will be renamed OCS-02, reportedly expands the company's portfolio of novel topical therapies for major ophthalmic diseases and offers the opportunity to address unmet medical needs of patients with potentially the first topical anti-TNF alpha therapy for ophthalmic indications.

According to the company, LME 636 is based on a proprietary single-chain antibody fragment technology specifically designed for topical delivery. Efficacy and safety were evaluated in three clinical trials including controlled studies under IND by Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research.

In conjunction with the agreement, Oculis plans to develop OCS-02 in parallel to its other ongoing pipeline programmes. It will be supported by new funds raised in the extension of its Series B financing round. No financial details are disclosed by the companies.