In March 2016, Jade Therapeutics was purchased by Eyegate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:EYEG) with Jade now a subsiduary. Jade develops proprietary, de-risked, locally delivered, sustained-release formulations of already-approved drugs for use in poorly served ophthalmic indications. The initial focus is on an approved biologic (recombinant human growth hormone) captured within a bioresorbable polymer to help address serious, persistent ocular surface defects. This underserved medical condition leads to vision loss with no approved pharmacotherapeutic treatment. Jade Therapeutics, a privately-held company focuses on the development of locally administered, sustained-release therapeutics that improve corneal healing following damage from disease or injury, thus improving visual function and quality of life. The Companyâs initial product is designed to deliver recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH), a well characterized biologic that has already been demonstrated in wide variety of systems to have significant healing properties via the activation and recruitment of key cells involved in the tissue-building process. Jade recently secured two prestigious Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) grants to continue to conduct preclinical and market research and is in discussion with several prominent academic and military affiliates to further advance product development. Examples of ocular disorders addressed by the Companyâs technology include persistent corneal epithelial defects (PCED) and various other types of corneal damage. Preliminary data indicate that Jade's solutions can produce corneal epithelial surface repair for previously non-healing defects and could allow increased patient compliance to therapy, reduced burden of illness, and decreased frequency of administration and office visi
