Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals has announced it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Arrotex Pharmaceuticals to launch a breakthrough eye surgery drug in Australia & New Zealand.

 

Formosa has granted the latter rights to commercialize APP13007, a clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension, 0.05%, in Australia and New Zealand. The innovative eyedrop targets inflammation and pain following ocular surgery.

 

Arrotex, branded as “Australia’s Medicines Company”, currently supplies half of the country’s ophthalmic volume and is a recognized leader in eye care. The licensing deal includes upfront payments, regulatory and sales milestones, plus royalties.

 

APP13007’s active ingredient, the superpotent corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, is derived from Formosa’s proprietary APNT nanoparticle formulation platform. Approved by the US FDA in 2024, the novel formulation enables a simple twice-daily, 14-day regimen, providing rapid and sustained relief. 

 

A US survey of 100 ophthalmic surgeons found ~80% of patients were pain-free within four days post-surgery, with adverse events reported in fewer than 2% of cases.

 

The Australian and New Zealand market alone performs roughly 250,000 cataract surgeries annually, with expected year-on-year growth.

 

“We are grateful Arrotex has chosen to partner with Formosa Pharma, recognizing APP13007 as a worthy addition to their vast and innovative portfolio of therapeutics. Arrotex's unrivaled sales distribution force and pharmacy access will ensure APP13007's availability to patients recovering from ocular surgery,” said Erick Co, President and CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals.

 

“This agreement with Formosa Pharmaceuticals strengthens our expanding portfolio in specialist care and reinforces our ambition to deliver meaningful innovation to patients. As Australia's partner in health, we will leverage our national ophthalmology footprint and unique infrastructure to ensure APP13007 reaches the people who need it most across the broad ecosystem. 

 

"We look forward to working with Formosa to expand access and support patients and clinicians across Australia and New Zealand,” said Matt Zeller, CEO of Arrotex Pharmaceuticals.