As European leader in the sector and an operator on the international level, Théa has over 150 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology. “The solutions developed by Théa currently cover 80% of ophthalmological situations,” said Carlos Amador, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA, Asia and Canada. The Group has 35 subsidiaries, more than 1,600 employees and some 40 distributors worldwide.
The independent, family-owned business launched a non-prescription range in French pharmacies in April 2022. This was in response to the requirements of increasingly well-informed patients, who, when they experience occasional symptoms, self-diagnose and then confirm this diagnosis with their pharmacist. “This product line contributes to eye health. The products are designed based on known molecules that have been proven to reduce symptoms of ocular discomfort during ad hoc occurrences,” Carlos Amador added. Over the next five to ten years, they could generate 10% of revenue in France. 20% of the group’s global revenue is obtained from this type of product.
In addition, a number of partnerships have been formed recently with biotechs, startups and universities to develop new treatments, particularly for retinal and other diseases. Théa thus signed a license agreement with Vyluma, for the homologation and marketing of NVK002 in Europe, Canada, Mexico and in some countries in South America. This product, in phase 3 clinical trials, is designed to slow down the progression of myopia in children.
In September 2021 Théa also signed a partnership agreement with Coave Therapeutics for the sale in Europe of Ctx-PDE6b, a Phase I/II gene therapy treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal disease.
“It is essential that Théa should cooperate closely with ophthalmologists and all professionals who work in the field of eye health, by continuing to provide innovative solutions for ocular diseases, via both medicines and digital technology,” Carlos Amador, Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA, ASIA and Canada at Théa.
At the beginning of 2022, Théa strengthened its position in the United States by acquiring a range of seven ophthalmic products from US company Akorn. These acquisitions have enabled the Clermont-Ferrand-based laboratories to become a leading supplier of ocular products, that already have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and which represent cumulative revenue of approximately $60 million. The aim remains to bring Théa products to the US market within the next few years.
Two years ago, this strategy of international expansion led to the acquisition of what is now a majority stake in Swiss company Similasan, located in the USA, but “Théa has not forgotten its European roots. Europe is where its heart is. 80% of products are manufactured in France and 100% in Europe,” Carlos Amador pointed out. Its R&D center is still located in Clermont-Ferrand, its historic birthplace.
Nor has the ophthalmology specialist missed the digital train. In July 2022, in partnership with Tilak Healthcare, Théa is contributing to the development of OdySight, the first digital remote ophthalmological health monitoring application in France that is refunded. It improves the follow-up and management of retinal pathologies (AMD, Macular Edema, etc.).
Finally, Théa Open Innovation, Théa’s sister company launched in 2019, brings together a dedicated multidisciplinary team with business and scientific profiles, with the mission of identifying innovative projects and forging alliances with promising startups in the embryonic phase.