Everest Medicines' Strategic Expansion in Cardiovascular and Ophthalmology Markets

Everest Medicines has emerged as a strategic player in the biopharmaceutical sector, leveraging licensing and commercialization deals to penetrate high-growth therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular and ophthalmology. By aligning with innovative partners and tapping into markets with robust growth trajectories, the company is positioning itself to drive long-term value creation. This analysis evaluates Everest's recent strategic moves, contextualized within the expanding demand for advanced therapies in Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Ophthalmology: A High-Potential Entry via VIS-101

Everest's foray into ophthalmology marks a pivotal shift in its portfolio diversification. In October 2025, the company secured an exclusive license for VIS-101, a bifunctional biologic targeting VEGF-A and ANG-2, from Visara (a subsidiary of NovaBridge Biosciences) for development and commercialization in Greater China, South Korea, Singapore, and Southeast Asia according to a press release. This deal, valued at up to $96 million plus royalties, underscores Everest's commitment to addressing unmet needs in retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) as reported by ModernOD.

VIS-101's mechanism offers a potential edge over existing therapies, with preclinical data suggesting enhanced potency and longer duration of action. The molecule has already completed Phase 1 trials in the U.S. and China and is advancing into a Phase 2 dose-ranging study in China, with the potential to enter Phase 3 trials by 2026 per the same press release. This rapid development timeline aligns with Everest's ambition to capitalize on the ophthalmology market's growth.

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the ophthalmology market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.38% from 2025 to 2030, expanding from $3.30 billion to $4.70 billion according to market analysis. This growth is driven by rising prevalence of juvenile myopia, government-backed cataract surgery reimbursement programs, and increasing private investments in eye care infrastructure. Everest's entry into this market through VIS-101 positions it to capture a significant share of this expanding pie, particularly as the drug advances toward commercialization.

Cardiovascular Expansion: Strengthening Core Therapies and Pipeline

Everest's cardiovascular strategy is equally robust, anchored by partnerships that enhance its commercial capabilities and therapeutic offerings. In September 2023, the company entered a collaboration with Kezar Life Sciences to develop and commercialize zetomipzomib, a first-in-class selective immunoproteasome inhibitor, in Greater China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia as reported by Yahoo Finance. Under the agreement, Everest received an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments totaling $132.5 million, plus tiered royalties on net sales according to the same source. Zetomipzomib's potential in treating multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies aligns with Everest's focus on high-impact therapies.

In October 2025, Everest further bolstered its cardiovascular portfolio by acquiring an exclusive license for Lerodalcibep, a third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor for hypercholesterolemia. This molecule has demonstrated significant LDL-C reductions in clinical trials and is under regulatory review by the FDA and EMA per the same report. With cardiovascular diseases remaining a leading cause of mortality in Asia, Lerodalcibep's approval could position Everest as a key player in lipid-lowering therapies.

Additionally, Everest's Commercialization Services Agreement with Hasten Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in 2025 expanded its access to mature cardiovascular assets, including Edarbi® (azilsartan) and Blopress® (candesartan) as detailed in the financial announcement. These angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used for hypertension management, a condition affecting over 26% of China's adult population. By leveraging Hasten's commercial infrastructure, Everest can accelerate market penetration in a segment expected to benefit from aging demographics and rising cardiovascular disease prevalence.

Market Dynamics and Long-Term Value Creation

The strategic rationale for Everest's expansion is further reinforced by favorable market dynamics. The global ophthalmology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.76%, reaching $94.36 billion by 2030 according to financial data, while China's medical tourism sector-encompassing cardiovascular and ophthalmic treatments-is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.44% from 2025 to 2035 as reported by OpenPR. These trends highlight the scalability of Everest's partnerships and the potential for cross-border revenue streams.

Everest's licensing model also mitigates financial risk while maximizing upside. For instance, the VIS-101 deal requires an upfront payment of $7 million and reimbursement of $3.4 million in prior expenses, with milestone payments contingent on clinical and regulatory milestones as detailed in the press release. This structure aligns Everest's financial exposure with the drug's development progress, ensuring capital efficiency. Similarly, the zetomipzomib partnership allows Everest to share development costs with Kezar while retaining commercial rights in key Asian markets per the financial report.

Conclusion: A Dual-Engine Strategy for Sustainable Growth

Everest Medicines' strategic expansion into cardiovascular and ophthalmology markets reflects a calculated approach to long-term value creation. By securing rights to innovative therapies like VIS-101 and Lerodalcibep, and leveraging commercialization partnerships for established assets, the company is building a diversified portfolio poised to capitalize on high-growth therapeutic areas. With the ophthalmology and cardiovascular markets in Greater China and Southeast Asia projected to expand significantly over the next five years, Everest's dual-engine strategy-combining in-licensing of cutting-edge biologics with commercialization of mature therapies-positions it as a compelling investment opportunity.