Cambium Bio Expands Reach with Benta SAS for Elate Ocular in Europe and Middle East

Strategic Expansion into Key Markets

Cambium Bio Limited (ASX, CMB), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company based in Sydney, has announced a significant step forward in its commercial ambitions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Benta SAS, a prominent French pharmaceutical company. This partnership aims to develop and commercialise Cambium’s lead product, Elate Ocular (CAM-101), a novel regenerative medicine designed to treat dry eye disease, across Europe and the Middle East.

The deal grants Benta exclusive rights to the product in these territories, leveraging Benta’s established presence in over 40 countries and its expertise in blood-derived therapeutics. This collaboration is particularly notable given Benta’s existing partnership with CSL Behring, which underscores its manufacturing and distribution capabilities within the region.

A Platform Gaining Momentum

This MoU marks Cambium Bio’s second platelet-lysate licensing agreement in just three days, following a US$2 million-plus deal with Keke MedTech in the United States announced earlier in September. The rapid succession of these partnerships signals strong commercial interest and validation of Cambium’s proprietary human platelet lysate technology platform.

Elate Ocular’s unique mechanism, based on fibrinogen-depleted human platelet lysate, offers a differentiated approach to treating dry eye disease, a condition with significant unmet medical needs. The product’s promising safety and efficacy profile has attracted attention from established pharmaceutical players like Benta, who see potential for it to become a cornerstone therapy in ophthalmology.

Flexible Partnership Structure and Next Steps

The partnership contemplates several business models, including a direct licensing agreement, the creation of a new corporate entity, or a joint venture arrangement. Cambium Bio will provide exclusive license rights, intellectual property, manufacturing know-how, and regulatory documentation to facilitate the product’s approval and commercialisation.

Definitive agreements are expected to be executed within four months, followed by regulatory submissions in France and other targeted jurisdictions. Benta’s role will also include facilitating regulatory exchanges with French and European Medicines Agency authorities, a critical step in navigating the complex approval landscape.

Management Perspectives

Cambium Bio’s CEO, Karolis Rosickas, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Benta’s manufacturing expertise and ophthalmology market presence as ideal for advancing Elate Ocular. He emphasized the scalability of Cambium’s platelet-lysate platform across multiple therapeutic areas and geographies.

Bernard Tannoury, Chairman and CEO of Benta Group, underscored the strategic fit and the innovative nature of Elate Ocular. He noted Benta’s commitment to bringing biologics to patients in need and the company’s readiness to leverage its established infrastructure to maximise the product’s potential.

Outlook

This partnership not only broadens Cambium Bio’s geographic footprint but also strengthens its commercial validation in the regenerative medicine space. With manufacturing synergies and regulatory support from Benta, Cambium is well-positioned to accelerate Elate Ocular’s path to market in two critical regions.