Ocugen Secures Licensing Deal for OCU400 in Korea, Enhancing Business Presence and Shareholder Value

Ocugen has secured a licensing deal with a Korean pharmaceutical company for its OCU400 product, granting exclusive distribution rights in the Korean market. The deal includes upfront payments, milestone fees, and a 25% royalty on net sales. Ocugen will supply commercial quantities of OCU400 to the Korean market. This strategic move allows Ocugen to maintain control over larger markets, optimize patient access, and enhance shareholder value.

Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in gene therapies for blindness diseases, has announced a significant licensing agreement with a Korean pharmaceutical company for exclusive distribution rights to its OCU400 product in the Korean market. The deal, which includes upfront payments, milestone fees, and a 25% royalty on net sales, underscores Ocugen's strategic approach to expanding its market reach and enhancing shareholder value.

The agreement, signed in June 2025, grants Ocugen's Korean partner exclusive rights to distribute OCU400, a gene therapy for broad retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with a single therapeutic approach. The deal is part of Ocugen's broader strategy to pursue regional partnerships for its pipeline of gene therapies. The upfront and milestone fees, totaling up to $11 million, will provide Ocugen with much-needed capital to continue its research and development efforts [1].

The licensing agreement also includes provisions for Ocugen to manufacture commercial quantities of OCU400 under a supply agreement. This arrangement ensures that Ocugen maintains control over larger markets while optimizing patient access and maximizing shareholder returns. The deal aligns with Ocugen's goal of delivering paradigm-changing gene therapies to millions of people with blindness diseases.

Ocugen's OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial, which is on track for BLA and MAA submissions in 2026, will benefit from this strategic partnership. The trial is the only broad RP gene-agnostic trial addressing multiple genetic mutations with a single therapeutic approach. The European Medicines Agency has granted eligibility to submit the OCU400 Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) through the centralized procedure, further bolstering Ocugen's prospects for successful regulatory submissions.

In addition to the licensing agreement, Ocugen has made significant progress in its clinical trials and financial performance. The company reported a net loss per common share of $0.05 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to a $0.06 net loss per common share for the same period in 2024. The company's cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled $27.3 million as of June 30, 2025, providing a cash runway into the first quarter of 2026.

Ocugen's executive leadership team will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results and recent business highlights. Attendees are invited to participate on the call or webcast, and a replay of the event will be available for approximately 45 days following the event on the Ocugen investor site.

References:

[1] https://ir.ocugen.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ocugen-provides-business-update-second-quarter-2025-financial