Bausch + Lomb acquires Whitecap Biosciences

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Bausch + Lomb announced that an affiliate has acquired Whitecap Biosciences, LLC, which is currently developing 2 therapies for potential use in glaucoma and geographic atrophy (GA).¹

Yehia Hashad, MD, chief medical officer and executive vice president, of research & development, Bausch + Lomb, commented on the acquisition in a press release from B+L stating, “Glaucoma and geographic atrophy are two areas where we believe that dramatic improvement is possible. Whitecap Biosciences’ investigational medicines show real promise when it comes to slowing vision loss and perhaps even improving vision for patients with glaucoma, which would be a long-overdue breakthrough.”

Whitecap Biosciences, founded in 2015, successfully completed Phase 2 clinical trials for WB007 (NCT04149899), a highly potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, in glaucoma. The trial evaluated the safety and IOP-lowering effects of WB007 in adults with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in both eyes. Results showed a reduction in IOP from baseline at day 14.²

“Glaucoma and geographic atrophy can cause severe vision loss, with many patients experiencing progressive deterioration,” said Scott Whitcup, MD, a founder and former CEO of Whitecap Biosciences in a press release from Bausch + Lomb. “By joining a global leader like Bausch + Lomb, we hope Whitecap’s assets will be developed into effective treatments that improve visual outcomes for patients.”

Additional clinical trials are planned for both glaucoma and GA.¹

References:

1. Bausch + Lomb Bolsters Pipeline with Acquisition of Whitecap Biosciences. Press Release. Published January 13, 2025. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://www.bausch.com/news/?id=245

2. Safety and IOP-Lowering Effects of WB007. NCT04149899. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04149899