ABVC BioPharma Entered into a Global Licensing Deal of Vitargus with Licensing Income of $33.5M and Royalties up to $60M
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Insights
The global licensing agreement between ABVC BioPharma and ForSeeCon Eye Corporation for the ophthalmology pipeline, including Vitargus®, represents a strategic move that could potentially enhance ABVC's market position. The deal, valued at $187M, not only provides immediate financial benefit through an initial payment of $30M but also sets the stage for future milestone payments and royalties. This influx of capital can be allocated to further research and development, which ABVC will continue as ForSeeCon's R&D partner.
From a market perspective, the licensing deal opens up new revenue streams for ABVC, given the projected growth of the retinal surgery devices market. The 5% royalty on net sales up to $60M is a significant long-term revenue source. However, the success hinges on the product's market acceptance and the execution of the distribution strategy. Investors should monitor the progress of clinical trials and subsequent product launches to gauge potential market penetration.
The financial implications of the licensing agreement for ABVC are multifaceted. The upfront payment enhances liquidity, which is vital for clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies that typically operate at a loss until their products reach the market. The structure of the deal, including milestone payments and royalties, provides a balanced approach to risk and reward. While the immediate cash infusion is positive, investors should consider the long-term payout structure and the fact that royalty-based income is contingent on successful product sales.
Moreover, the valuation of Vitargus® at $187M by a third party provides an external validation of the product's potential. However, investors should remain cautious and seek to understand the valuation methodology. The financial health of ABVC post-deal will be a key factor to watch, as will the company's ability to leverage this deal to attract additional investment and partnerships.
The licensing agreement for Vitargus® highlights the competitive nature of the ophthalmology sector within the biopharmaceutical industry. The focus on Vitrectomy procedures and the promise of improving quality of life for patients positions ABVC to capitalize on a niche but growing market segment. The partnership with ForSeeCon could enhance ABVC's credibility and market access, provided the product meets regulatory and safety standards during clinical trials.
Biopharmaceutical companies often rely on such partnerships to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and to scale up manufacturing and distribution capabilities. The deal's emphasis on covering clinical trial, registration, manufacturing, supply and distribution rights suggests a comprehensive approach to bringing Vitargus® to market. Stakeholders should evaluate ABVC's track record in product development and ForSeeCon's capacity to fulfill its end of the agreement.
FREMONT, CA, March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire – ABVC BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABVC) ("Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic solutions in ophthalmology, CNS (central nervous systems), and oncology/hematology, announced today that each of the Company and its subsidiary BioFirst Corporation entered into a global licensing agreement with ForSeeCon Eye Corporation (FEYE) for the Company's Ophthalmology pipeline, which includes the medical device Vitargus® (valued at
"We are thrilled to announce a new licensing deal that we believe will make our product available to more patients undergoing the tedious Vitrectomy procedure. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing patients with a better quality of life during and after the procedure," said Dr. Uttam Patil, ABVC's Chief Executive Officer. He added that through this exciting collaboration, ABVC has secured the distribution rights to a wide range of eye products from ForSeeCon, which he believes will provide a new avenue for revenue generation with access to an even broader audience. With this new licensing agreement in place, ABVC will continue to serve as the R&D partner of ForSeeCon to discover new pipelines for ophthalmic products. From better vitreous substitutes to various eyecare products, our platform remains dedicated to showcasing the best eyecare we can offer. ABVC will receive the first licensing payment of US
"I'm delighted to work on Vitargus®, representing our commitment to innovation. This product is a game-changer, and I'm confident it will exceed our customers' expectations. I believe Vitargus® sets a new standard for excellence in our industry," said Jerry Chang, CEO of ForSeeCon Eye. "We certainly believe that with the launch of this product, we're not just introducing a new item to the market; we're reshaping it. Its unique features and capabilities will revolutionize how our customers engage with ForSeeCon and elevate their overall experience," he added.
Management believes the Company's product pipeline has excellent market potential. According to iHealthcare Analyst, Inc., the global market for retinal surgery devices is expected to reach
For more information about ABVC and its subsidiaries, stay updated on the latest updates or visit https://abvcpharma.com. ABVC urges its shareholders to sign up on the Company's website for the latest news alerts; visit https://abvcpharma.com/?page_id=17707
About ABVC BioPharma & Its Industry
ABVC BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with an active pipeline of six drugs and one medical device (ABV-1701/Vitargus®) under development. For its drug products, the Company utilizes in-licensed technology from its network of world-renowned research institutions to conduct proof-of-concept trials through Phase II of clinical development. The Company's network of research institutions includes Stanford University, University of California at San Francisco, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. For Vitargus®, the Company intends to conduct global clinical trials through Phase III.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified, and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. None of the outcomes expressed herein are guaranteed. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our product candidates on a commercial scale on our own, or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; and (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to proceed to the next level of the clinical trials or to market our product candidates. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company's securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
Contact:
Leeds Chow
Email: leedschow@ambrivis.com
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