Ocriplasmin gains first Asian approval in Malaysia

Leuven, Belgium-ThromboGenics’ ocriplasmin (Jetrea) as been approved in Malaysia for the treatment of adults with vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter ≤ 400 µm.

The approval is the first in Asia and was gained following a Priority Review that was granted in September.

“The approval of (ocriplasmin) in Malaysia-the first in Asia-is a further important milestone in ensuring the global availability of this novel medicine,” said Patrik De Haes, MD, chief executive officer of ThromboGenics. “We are optimistic that, in time, (the drug) will become the treatment of choice for the earlier treatment of patients with VMT in Asia.”

ThromboGenics’ licensing partner, Alcon Laboratories, holds the commercialization rights to the drug outside the United States, and will be responsible for its launch in Malaysia.

Alcon, a division of Novartis, acquired the rights to commercialize the drug outside the United States in March 2012, and has already launched it in Europe and Canada.

ThromboGenics is commercializing the drug in the United States where it is approved for the treatment of patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion.

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