Bausch + Lomb's BL1107 fails primary end point in Phase 2 glaucoma trial

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) said its Phase 2 study evaluating BL1107 in patients with glaucoma did not meet its primary endpoint of replicating visual function improvements seen in an earlier, smaller Phase 1/2a study following 28 days of topical administration. Based on the data, the company said it will not advance the program as a topical eye drop for that indication.

"Success in drug development is based on a portfolio, not a single program," said Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president of R&D and chief medical officer at Bausch + Lomb, in the release. "We've intentionally built a diversified pipeline because we know innovation requires pursuing multiple scientific hypotheses simultaneously. Not every program will succeed, but every study helps us make smarter decisions about where to invest."

Bausch + Lomb acquired Whitecap Biosciences in 2025, primarily for the potential to develop a sustained-release implant to treat geographic atrophy (GA). BL1107, originally known as WB007, had also shown clinical results in a small sample for improving visual acuity in glaucoma patients. The company said it will now focus solely on developing what it describes as the first small-molecule sustained-release implant for GA, with clinical trials expected to begin in 2028. The company will continue to collaborate on the candidate with Ripple Therapeutics, whose technology platform is based on chemically engineering drugs into controlled-release pharmaceuticals without polymers.

The company said its portfolio spans its Consumer, Pharmaceuticals, Surgical and Vision Care segments and includes more than 60 assets under development, with multiple milestones anticipated over the coming months.

The randomized, double-masked, 3-arm, parallel-group study enrolled 159 adults aged 18 and older with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The primary end point was defined as change from baseline in visual field mean deviation at Day 28 (Exit, Hour 2), which was not met. Key secondary endpoints assessing visual function, including low-luminance best-corrected visual acuity responder rates, were also not achieved. A secondary endpoint of reduction in intraocular pressure at Day 28 (Exit, Hour 2) was met, which the company said indicated ocular target engagement. The safety profile was consistent with prior clinical experience with BL1107, with no new safety signals identified.

Reference:

1. Bausch + Lomb announces Phase 2 results for glaucoma neuroprotective candidate. News release. Bausch + Lomb. July 9, 2026. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://ir.bausch.com/press-releases/bausch-lomb-announces-phase-2-results-glaucoma-neuroprotective-candidate