NTC, an international R&D-focused pharmaceutical company based in Italy, and Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology Pharmaceuticals Limited, have fully integrated the ophthalmology platform with a leading foundation in eye care, announced its agreement for an exclusive license and distribution rights to NTC014, an innovative fixed combination of quinolone antibiotic and NSAID eye drops. Zhaoke will commercialise NTC014 in the People's Republic of China , Hong Kong , Macao , Taiwan, ASEAN countries and South Korea . 

NTC014 seeks to provide physicians with rational treatment for moderate to severe bacterial conjunctivitis, a common eye infection. Current treatment is mainly based on the combination of antibiotics or not with steroids without a clear time window of administration. NTC014 is a first-of-its-kind eye drop solution that combines high antibiotic efficacy on bacteria most commonly implicated in eye infections and inflammation-associated NSAID-like control signs and symptoms.  

"We are proud to partner with Zhaoke, an innovative company," stated Riccardo Carbucicchio, CEO, NTC. "NTC014 will make the next level of treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis available to millions of patients. It targets a faster response to 'signs and symptoms' compared to available solutions and without limitation of use. Furthermore, NTC014 is consistent with our dedicated mission to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance by using fewer antibiotics for a shorter duration of treatment. " 

Dr Benjamin Li , CEO, Zhaoke Ophthalmology Limited,  explained: "We are excited about this partnership with NTC, which seamlessly integrates with our mission to bring innovative therapies to patients in China and Asia. Additionally, NTC's NTC014 fixed-dose combination strengthens Zhaoke's already comprehensive ophthalmology portfolio. We look forward to working with NTC to develop this product for patients in need. "