Bayer and US drug developer Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have agreed to jointly develop a combination therapy of the angiopoietin2 (Ang2) antibody nesvacumab and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trap aflibercept for serious eye diseases.

Two Phase II clinical studies are currently evaluating the treatment as a co-formulated single intravitreal injection, known as REGN910-3, in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular edema.

According to Bayer, preclinical data has demonstrated that angiopoietins, a group of vascular growth factors discovered by Regeneron scientists, act together with the VEGF family to promote the formation and maturation of blood and lymphatic vessels in the eye.

Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron will receive an upfront payment of $50 million and share global development costs with Bayer. It will retain exclusive commercialization rights within the US and 100% of the profits from US sales, as well as receiving potential payments of up to $80 million related to development and regulatory milestones.

Bayer will have exclusive commercialization rights outside the US and will share profits equally with its partner.

The two companies are currently collaborating on the global development and commercialization of Eylea (aflibercept) injection and on developing REGN2176-3, an antibody to Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta (PDGFR-β) co-formulated in a single intravitreal injection with aflibercept, which is undergoing Phase II clinical trials for patients with wet AMD.