Shanghai, China, November 12, 2021 – Arctic Vision, a China-based biotech company focused on innovative ophthalmic therapies, today inked a strategic agreement with Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (“Eye Hospital, WMU”), also known as Zhejiang Eye Hospital. The agreement marks the start of a deep, multi-faceted and multi-level collaboration to address unmet ophthalmic needs amongst China patients.

Leveraging their respective strengths, Arctic Vision and Eye Hospital, WMU will come together to develop consumer-oriented and innovative ophthalmic therapy products, accelerate clinical trials, outcome validation and commercialization of Arctic Vision’s core products, and participate in the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone.

As part of the agreement, both parties will work together to:

-    Explore the development and efficacy of consumer-oriented eye care products – including eye care products produced in-hospital – that cater to general eye disorders in China, leveraging a tri-partite collaborative model between hospitals, universities and enterprises to bring this to fruition.

-    Conduct clinical research and trials of ARVN002, Arctic Vision’s micro-dosed low-concentration atropine ophthalmic solution, for the treatment of pediatric progressive myopia.  Eye Hospital, WMU will spearhead a national, multi-centre clinical trial, and work closely with Arctic Vision for product development, intellectual property rights application, results validation, and clinical use of ARVN002.  

-     Accelerate the launch of ARVN001, an FDA-approved, ground-breaking suprachoroidal space micro-injection therapy targeting uveitis macular edema, in the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. In addition, both parties will work to conduct real-world evidence studies and aid in the collection of data in China to facilitate ARVN001’s domestic registration.

-    Conduct in-vitro verification and animal experiments as well as relevant clinical trials for Arctic Vision’s ARVN901, a cell therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction that holds high potential as a replacement for corneal transplants.

At the signing ceremony, Chief President of Eye Hospital, WMU, Professor Jia Qu remarked, “China’s eye health sector is growing exponentially, aided by increased collaboration and innovation amongst enterprises, hospitals, research institutions and universities. This strategic collaboration between Eye Hospital, WMU and Arctic Vision will play to both parties’ strengths to support critical activities including academic research, product development, clinical studies, outcome validation, physician education, and enable us to better meet patients’ needs and improve their experiences during treatment. I look forward to consolidating valuable industry resources and unlocking a new approach to innovation with this partnership.”

Founder and CEO of Arctic Vision, Dr. Eddy Wu commented, “Arctic Vision is dedicated to the development of innovative ophthalmic therapies. Our goal is to improve patient accessibility to quality ophthalmic therapies, by leveraging the knowledge, resources, and expertise of industry stakeholders in private, public, and academia sectors. We are pleased to partner with Eye Hospital, WMU to drive strategic progress in product development, clinical research, and commercialization of Arctic Vision’s products. With their robust clinical research and talent development platforms, I am confident our partnership with Eye Hospital, WMU and the International Eye Center of Boao Super Hospital will go a long way in supporting the launch of Arctic Vision’s existing pipeline products, and the continued development and application of innovative cutting-edge ophthalmic technologies for patients in China.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Jia Qu, Chief President of the Eye system of WMU, Professor Xiangtian Zhou, Vice President the Eye Hospital, WMU, Dr. Eddy Wu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Vision, and Chen Yi, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Arctic Vision, as well as other representatives. Yifu Zhou, Committee Secretary in Longwan District of Wenzhou, and Dan Li, member of the District Standing Committee and other significant officers also joined the ceremony.

About Arctic Vision

Arctic Vision is a China-based ophthalmic biotech focusing on breakthrough therapies, with a leading portfolio covering pre-clinical stage to commercial stage products. Our vision is to provide innovative therapies in China, Asia and globally to address unmet clinical needs and benefit ophthalmic patients at large. Arctic Vision is supported by top-tier life sciences investors and led by an elite team of ophthalmic industry veterans with substantial regional and global experiences in R&D and commercialization of ophthalmic products. For more information, please visit www.arcticvision.com.

About  Eye Hospital, WMU

Eye Hospital, WMU was established in 1998 and approved by the Department of Health of Zhejiang as “Zhejiang Eye Hospital” in 2009. It is now the only grade A tertiary eye hospital in Zhejiang. The Hospital operates in respect of clinical care, medical education, medical research, and preventive health care etc. With just more than two decades’ development, the Hospital has developed an integrated system of medical care and education, scientific research, industrial translation, and welfare services.

At present, the hospital is the only unit in the field of ophthalmology and optometry in China that has four state-level scientific research innovation platforms: the National Key Laboratory for Optometry and Ophthalmology, the National Clinical Research Center for ENT Diseases (eye diseases), the National Research Center for Optometry Engineering Technology, and the NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Medical Devices and Drug for Ophthalmic Diseases. In 2020, Eye Hospital, WMU continued to rank the No. 1 among Chinese ophthalmology specialty hospitals (No. 45 among Chinese hospitals) of 2019, in the national evaluation of hospital and medical school based on Science and Technology Evaluation Metrics (STEM). That was the third consecutive year in which the Hospital ranked No. 1 among ophthalmic hospitals for its technological output. In 2020, the Hospital won an A grade in the performance evaluation of Chinese tertiary public hospitals, ranking No.1 in provincial ones and among top four in national ones (specializing in surgeries). Over the years, under the principle of “developing unique advantages over others”, the Hospital has made great headway on all fronts.