B&L gains anti-VEGF compound licensing

Eden Prairie, MN-SurModics, a provider of surface modification and drug delivery technologies, gave Bausch & Lomb exclusive license to patents relating to a soy isoflavone with strong anti-oxidant and anti-VEGF activity (Genistein). The compound has been shown to reduce retinal vascular leakage in diabetic animals.

"I am delighted that Bausch & Lomb, given its commitment to ophthalmology and patient care, has decided to license and develop this promising technology," said Eugene de Juan Jr., MD, distinguished professor of ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco."I look forward to working with the Bausch & Lomb team to help improve the eyesight of patients."

In January 2005, SurModics acquired InnoRx, which developed the soy isoflavone among other technologies. Innovex licensed patents covering inventions made by Dr. de Juan, Innovex's founder.