Formosa Pharmaceuticals and the Singapore Eye Research Institute have announced a strategic research partnership focused on developing next-generation eye treatments. The collaboration will combine Formosa’s proprietary APNT® (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Nanoparticle Technology) with SERI’s advanced clinical research capabilities, under the leadership of clinician-scientist Yu-Chi Liu, MD, PhD.
The partnership is designed to tackle key unmet needs in treating corneal and ocular surface diseases. By integrating innovative drug delivery technologies with strong clinical expertise, the collaboration aims to improve the effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety of topical eye therapies, ultimately accelerating the development of new treatments for real-world clinical use.
Synergy of Innovation and Clinical Excellence
Associate Professor Yu-Chi Liu, a clinician-scientist at the Singapore National Eye Centre and Principal Investigator at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, contributes deep expertise in corneal neuropathy and translational medicine to this collaboration. Her recent research on diabetic keratopathy and ocular surface inflammation will play a key role in shaping the development of new formulations aimed at treating complex anterior segment eye conditions.
“Collaborating with Formosa Pharmaceuticals allows us to bridge the gap between benchside innovation and bedside application,” said A/Prof. Yu-Chi Liu. “Our goal is to utilize advanced formulation technologies like APNT to create treatments that are not only more effective but also less burdensome for patients suffering from ocular conditions.”
Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s APNT® platform focuses on reducing the particle size of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into stable and uniform nanoparticles. This proprietary technology is a key part of the company’s development pipeline and is designed to enhance the delivery of poorly soluble drugs, allowing them to reach target tissues and organs more effectively.
“We are honored to work alongside Professor Liu and her distinguished team at SERI,” said Erick Co, President & CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals. “Initial efforts have confirmed compatibility of APNT and SERI’s research models and prompt us to extend our partnership. SERI’s reputation for excellence in vision research, backed by their comprehensive capabilities and facilities, are unparalleled. Together, we are excited to translate the research findings into better clinical outcomes.”
