Everest Medicines Limited (Stock Code: 1952) has signed an agreement with Visara, Inc., a subsidiary of NovaBridge Biosciences (Nasdaq: NBP), on 28 October 2025 to develop, manufacture, and commercialize VIS-101 in Greater China, Singapore, South Korea, and certain Southeast Asian countries. VIS-101 is described as a novel bifunctional biologic that targets VEGF-A and ANG-2, potentially providing more durable treatment benefits for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.
Under the agreement, Everest Medicines will make an upfront payment of US$7 million (equivalent to approximately RMB49.7 million) and reimburse up to RMB24.0 million for out-of-pocket expenses. Further development and sales milestone payments could reach US$89.0 million (approximately RMB632.0 million), together with potential net sales royalties. According to the announcement, the highest applicable ratio for this transaction is below 5%, meaning it does not constitute a disclosable transaction under Hong Kong Stock Exchange rules.
VIS-101 has completed initial safety and dose-escalation studies in both the United States and China, and it is currently in a randomized, dose-ranging Phase 2 study in China. Phase 3 readiness is anticipated in 2026. Everest Medicines views this collaboration as an opportunity to add a differentiated late-stage product to its pipeline and expand into ophthalmology to address significant unmet medical needs.
Visara focuses on developing ophthalmic therapeutics for eye disorders and is part of NovaBridge Biosciences, a global biotechnology company with a pipeline led by givastomig and VIS-101. The announcement includes a caution that there is no guarantee of successful development or commercialization of the VIS-101 candidate.
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