Lantheus Medical Imaging parent Lantheus Holdings has inked a development and commercial supply agreement with medical device firm Cerevast Medical for the use of its microbubble ultrasound contrast technology in eye care applications.
Specifically, the firm's microbubbles will be used together with Cerevast's ocular ultrasound blood device for treating retinal vein occlusion (RVO), one of the most common causes of vision loss. To improve blood flow in occluded retinal veins in the eye, Cerevast's work-in-progress RVO technology will combine intravenous administration of Lantheus' microbubbles with ultrasound delivered across the closed eyelid, according to the companies.
Cerevast's RVO technology, which has received an investigational device exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is expected to begin a phase IIB clinical trial in the second half of 2019. The company expects the technology could be commercialized in 2023 following FDA approval.
Under the deal, Cerevast will be responsible for regulatory filings and approvals in the U.S., Europe, and China, as well as commercialization. It will also gain exclusive rights to commercialize Lantheus' microbubble and activation device as part of the RVO technology.
For its part, Lantheus has agreed to supply its microbubble vials and activation devices at a predetermined price. It also will receive royalties on RVO technology sales.
