Core Viewpoint - Rongchang Biologics has announced a business development (BD) deal with Santen Pharmaceutical for the exclusive licensing of the ophthalmic innovative drug RC28-E in several Asian markets, marking its second BD announcement this year [1][2]. Group 1: Business Development and Financials - Rongchang Biologics will receive an upfront payment of 250 million yuan, with potential milestone payments totaling up to 520 million yuan for development and regulatory achievements, and up to 525 million yuan for sales milestones [1]. - The company will also earn a tiered sales royalty based on product sales in the licensed regions, ranging from high single-digit to double-digit percentages [1]. Group 2: Product Details and Clinical Trials - RC28-E is a dual-target fusion protein drug aimed at treating neovascular eye diseases, specifically targeting VEGF and FGF pathways to inhibit new blood vessel formation [2]. - The drug is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), with an expected submission for market approval in China for DME in the second half of 2025 and for wAMD in mid-2026 [3][5]. Group 3: Market Context and Competition - The domestic ophthalmic drug market is transitioning from generics to innovative products, with increasing competition as patents for existing drugs expire [6][9]. - Other companies, such as Qilu Pharmaceutical and Innovent Biologics, are also advancing in the development of biosimilars and innovative drugs in the ophthalmic space, indicating a shift towards more competitive innovation in the sector [9].