AFT to distribute NovaTears in AUS and NZ

NovaTears, an ophthalmic product for the treatment of evaporative dry eye diseases (DEDs), was developed by Novaliq and is sold throughout Europe under the brand name EvoTears.In exchange for the exclusive licence for the commercialisation of NovaTears in Australasia, AFT made an undisclosed upfront payment to Novaliq. The German company will also receive royalties on net sales. AFT CEO Dr Hartley Atkinson said the business was dedicated to bringing innovative products to market that make a real difference to people’s health.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: NovaTears supports the lipid layer of the tear film by its ability to quickly spread and be absorbed into the eye. We believe that this feature – combined with its small droplet size – will provide superior benefits to patients with evaporative dry eye disease. -WHO: Dr Hartley Atkinson, AFT CEO}}“The addition of NovaTears to our eyecare line will be welcomed by doctors and patients alike. It’s a first-in-class, water-free and preservative-free treatment based on Novaliq’s proprietary EyeSol technology platform,” he said.“NovaTears supports the lipid layer of the tear film by its ability to quickly spread and be absorbed into the eye. We believe that this feature – combined with its small droplet size – will provide superior benefits to patients with evaporative dry eye disease.”Atkinson said the new deal would help to advance AFT’s position in the lubricating eye drop market in both Australia and New Zealand, adding: “This also fits with our strategy of strengthening our market position in categories where we already hold a significant position. Sales from the New Zealand market are expected to be achieved within the FY2018 financial year, and Australian sales the year following.”Meanwhile, Novaliq CEO Mr Christian Roesky said he was delighted to collaborate with AFT, which he described as a leading and innovative pharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to eye care.“NovaTears provides a highly differentiated and clinically validated treatment option that significantly improves the signs and symptoms of evaporative DED and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), highly underserved diseases. We are confident that dry eye patients in Australasia will greatly benefit from the use of NovaTears and our partnership with AFT,” Roesky said.