B&L licenses 2 products for ophthalmic use

Bausch & Lomb has licensed two technologies for ophthalmic use. The company and Talecris Biotherapeutics, Research Triangle Park, NC, will co-develop rPlasmin, a recombinant derivative of the human blood component plasmin, which may have potential for use in developing novel therapies for ocular conditions. The agreement extends the partnership announced in 2005, in which Bausch & Lomb licensed plasma-delivered plasmin from Talecris predecessor Bayer Biological Products.

Bausch & Lomb is enrolling patients in early-stage clinical trials to evaluate plasmin's therapeutic potential to relieve retinal traction. Talecris is pursuing development of the technology for non-ocular applications, specifically to dissolve blood clots in veins and arteries.

Bausch & Lomb also has licensed a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist from Schering AG of Berlin for the non-systemic treatment of eye disorders. The company will evaluate the compound's potential as a novel anti-inflammatory medication with an improved safety profile, due to its distinct molecular mechanism after binding to a glucocorticoid receptor, in ophthalmologic indications.