{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"167217","rtpr_id":"nGNX9jybsS-20261013","ticker":"NBP","exchange":"NASDAQ","all_tickers":["NBP"],"title":"Visara Expands Ophthalmology Pipeline with Exclusive License for Investigational Nerve Growth Factor Therapy for Neurotrophic Keratitis","author":"Globe Newswire","published_at":"2026-10-13T11:00:00.240Z","article_body":"Visara secures exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Greater China, from Wuhan\nHiteck Biological Pharma to develop and commercialize HT006.2.2\n\nVisara plans to develop HT006.2.2 as VIS-102, its second clinical-stage\nprogram, expanding the Company's ophthalmology portfolio beyond retinal\nvascular disease into ocular surface disease\n\nHT006.2.2 is designed to offer a more convenient treatment option for patients\nwith neurotrophic keratitis\n\nROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Visara, Inc. (“Visara”\nor the “Company”), a majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary of NovaBridge\nBiosciences (“NovaBridge”) (NASDAQ: NBP), today announced that it has\nentered into an exclusive license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with\nWuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd. (“Hiteck”) for the development\nand commercialization of VIS-102 (HT006.2.2), an investigational\nnext-generation modified recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) therapy\ndesigned to restore corneal health in patients with neurotrophic keratitis\n(NK).\n\nIn NK, damage to the corneal nerves impairs the eye's ability to heal. This\ncan lead to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration and permanent\nvision loss. VIS-102 is designed to restore corneal health with a more\nconvenient treatment option for patients. In addition to formulation\noptimization, it incorporates targeted modifications to the NGF amino acid\nsequence intended to improve resistance to enzymatic degradation and maintain\nstability under refrigeration. These changes allow VIS-102 to potentially be\nsupplied in ready-to-use, single-dose units. This design may reduce the\nstorage, shipping, handling and administration burden associated with current\ntreatments for NK.\n\n“Patients with neurotrophic keratitis face a serious, sight-threatening\ndisease, and the practical demands of treatment can place a significant burden\non patients and their caregivers,” said Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S.,\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Visara. “VIS-102 was designed to\naddress that directly. We believe its molecular architecture and refrigerated,\nready-to-use format could simplify care for patients and providers. VIS-102 is\na compelling addition to our pipeline as we build a company addressing unmet\nneeds across the front and back of the eye.”\n\n“The expansion of Visara’s pipeline illustrates how we are applying the\nNovaBridge model to build focused franchises around differentiated\ninnovation,” said Srishti Gupta, M.D., M.P.P., Chief Executive Officer of\nNovaBridge. “With VIS-102, Visara expands beyond retinal disease into a\nsecond area of significant unmet need. We believe this is an important step in\nbuilding Visara into a broader ophthalmology company and demonstrates the\nrepeatability of the NovaBridge approach to creating long-term value.”\n\nThe program has demonstrated encouraging early clinical activity to date,\nfurther supporting Visara's decision to expand into NK through the\nin-licensing of VIS-102. Phase 1b data in a population of Chinese subjects\nwith severe NK showed that in the highest dose cohort of VIS-102, after a\nsingle 8-week course, subjects achieved 50% complete corneal healing, whereas\n14% of those in the vehicle control group had complete corneal healing at Week\n4. In the study, those on vehicle then crossed over to active treatment from\nWeek 4 to Week 8 and achieved 43% complete corneal healing after a 4-week\ncourse of VIS-102. Treatment related ocular adverse events were all mild and\nconsistent with trials of rhNGF. No subjects withdrew or discontinued the\nstudy due to a related adverse event. The study will continue an expansion\nphase to evaluate the highest dose at both 6 times daily and 3 times daily\n8-week regimens in Chinese patients with NK.\n\nThe License Agreement expands Visara’s pipeline beyond its tetravalent\nVEGF-A × ANG-2 peptibody (VIS-101) being developed for neovascular retinal\ndiseases and represents an important step in its evolution into a diversified\nophthalmology company. VIS-102 complements Visara’s existing focus on\nretinal vascular diseases by extending its portfolio into neuroprotection and\nthe treatment of rare ocular surface disease.\n\nUnder the terms of the License Agreement, Visara will receive exclusive rights\nto develop and commercialize VIS-102 worldwide excluding Greater China. Hiteck\nwill receive an up-front payment as well as potential development, regulatory\nand commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties on net sales.\n\nAbout VIS-102\nVIS-102 is an investigational, next-generation modified recombinant human\nnerve growth factor therapy being developed for the treatment of neurotrophic\nkeratitis. VIS-102 incorporates modifications to the human nerve growth factor\namino acid sequence intended to increase resistance to enzymatic degradation\nand support stability at refrigerated temperatures. It is designed to be\nsupplied in ready-to-use, single-dose units, potentially simplifying storage,\ndistribution and patient administration.\n\nAbout Neurotrophic Keratitis\nNeurotrophic keratitis is a rare, degenerative disease caused by impaired\nsensory innervation of the cornea. The resulting loss of corneal sensation and\nneurotrophic support can impair healing and lead to persistent epithelial\ndefects, corneal ulceration, stromal melting, perforation and permanent vision\nloss.\n\nAbout Visara\nVisara is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing\nnext-generation biologic therapies for ophthalmic diseases affecting both the\nfront and back of the eye. From the cornea to the retina, Visara pursues the\nfull spectrum of ocular disease as vision is irreplaceable, and the unmet need\nis profound. Visara is a majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary of NovaBridge\nBiosciences (NASDAQ: NBP). Its pipeline includes VIS-101, a tetravalent VEGF-A\n× ANG-2 peptibody being developed for neovascular retinal diseases, and\nVIS-102, a next-generation modified recombinant human nerve growth factor\ntherapy being developed for neurotrophic keratitis.\n\nAbout NovaBridge Biosciences\nNovaBridge Biosciences (\"NovaBridge\") (NASDAQ: NBP) is a global biotechnology\ncompany advancing a portfolio of therapeutic programs in oncology and\nophthalmology. The Company identifies differentiated therapeutic\nopportunities, generates value-defining clinical evidence, and applies the\ndevelopment, financing and partnering strategy best suited to each program.\n\nNovaBridge's portfolio is led by givastomig, a Claudin 18.2 × 4-1BB\nbispecific antibody being developed for the potential treatment of\ngastrointestinal malignancies, and Visara, its majority-owned ophthalmology\nsubsidiary. Through Visara, NovaBridge is building a diversified ophthalmology\nfranchise designed to address unmet needs across diseases of the front and\nback of the eye.\n\nNovaBridge's objective is to build a sustainable biotechnology company by\nrepeatedly identifying differentiated innovation, advancing it efficiently,\nand bringing novel therapies to patients through the path best suited to each\nopportunity.\n\nFor more information, please visit www.novabridge.com and follow us on\nLinkedIn\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=S2RVMeTL5r79Jyev4VqVbaSABCBQTH55k6GKThSaz_E8WA24GUr6T9y52Sm1DGUuAvhSFBvPRaZa-Dt4Bn73l8gs0gBal-zdzven-L4D_RuR-nYQD8Ff_FopSGjYuyBFuvUB1n1nasvikmGA5o9hCQ==).\n\nForward Looking Statements\nThis announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are\nmade under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities\nLitigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be\nidentified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,”\n“designed to,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,”\n“plans,” “potential,” “estimates,” “confident,” and similar\nterms or the negative thereof. NovaBridge and Visara may also make written or\noral forward-looking statements in NovaBridge’s periodic reports to the U.S.\nSecurities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to\nshareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral\nstatements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties.\nStatements that are not historical facts, including statements about\nNovaBridge’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements.\nForward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation,\nstatements regarding: the anticipated achievement of development, regulatory\nand commercial milestones under the License Agreement; expected milestone and\nroyalty payments under the License Agreement; the potential benefits of\nVisara’s product candidates, including VIS-102; and the strategy, clinical\ndevelopment, plans, timing, results, safety and efficacy of Visara’s drug\ncandidates, including VIS-102. Forward-looking statements involve inherent\nrisks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially\nfrom those contained in these forward-looking statements, including but not\nlimited to the following: NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability to demonstrate\nthe safety and efficacy of their drug candidates; the clinical results for\ntheir drug candidates, which may or may not support further development or New\nDrug Application/Biologics License Application approval or eligibility for\naccelerated approval pathway or receipt of accelerated approval; the content\nand timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities, including\nthe FDA, regarding regulatory approval of NovaBridge’s or Visara’s drug\ncandidates; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability to achieve commercial success\nfor their drug candidates, if approved; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability\nto obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for their\ntechnology and drugs; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s reliance on third parties\nto conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; NovaBridge’s\nor Visara’s limited operating history and their ability to obtain additional\nfunding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization\nof their drug candidates; the impact of macroeconomic conditions, including\ninflation, tariffs, volatile interest rates, regulatory uncertainty, potential\ngovernment shutdowns, volatility in the capital markets, and regional and\nother global events, including ongoing armed conflicts in different regions of\nthe world; and those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors”\nsection in NovaBridge’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on\nApril 7, 2026, and amended on June 16, 2026, as well as the discussions of\npotential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in NovaBridge’s\nsubsequent filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are based on\ninformation currently available to NovaBridge. NovaBridge undertakes no\nobligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,\nwhether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as\nmay be required by law.\n\nNovaBridge Investor & Media Contacts\n\nInvestors:\nBill Begien, SVP, Investor Relations\n+1-240-745-6330\nbill.begien@novabridge.com \nIR@novabridge.com \n\nMedia Inquiries:\nEric Van Zanten, VP, Communications\n+1-610-529-6219\neric.vanzanten@novabridge.com\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ea9f005-c7f7-4272-a3ac-cbf4ea4aef15)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nGNX9jybsS-20261013","title":"Visara Expands Ophthalmology Pipeline with Exclusive License for Investigational Nerve Growth Factor Therapy for Neurotrophic Keratitis","author":"Globe Newswire","ticker":"NBP","created":"2026-10-13T11:00:00.240Z","tickers":["NBP"],"exchange":"NASDAQ","article_body":"Visara secures exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Greater China, from Wuhan\nHiteck Biological Pharma to develop and commercialize HT006.2.2\n\nVisara plans to develop HT006.2.2 as VIS-102, its second clinical-stage\nprogram, expanding the Company's ophthalmology portfolio beyond retinal\nvascular disease into ocular surface disease\n\nHT006.2.2 is designed to offer a more convenient treatment option for patients\nwith neurotrophic keratitis\n\nROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Visara, Inc. (“Visara”\nor the “Company”), a majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary of NovaBridge\nBiosciences (“NovaBridge”) (NASDAQ: NBP), today announced that it has\nentered into an exclusive license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with\nWuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd. (“Hiteck”) for the development\nand commercialization of VIS-102 (HT006.2.2), an investigational\nnext-generation modified recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) therapy\ndesigned to restore corneal health in patients with neurotrophic keratitis\n(NK).\n\nIn NK, damage to the corneal nerves impairs the eye's ability to heal. This\ncan lead to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration and permanent\nvision loss. VIS-102 is designed to restore corneal health with a more\nconvenient treatment option for patients. In addition to formulation\noptimization, it incorporates targeted modifications to the NGF amino acid\nsequence intended to improve resistance to enzymatic degradation and maintain\nstability under refrigeration. These changes allow VIS-102 to potentially be\nsupplied in ready-to-use, single-dose units. This design may reduce the\nstorage, shipping, handling and administration burden associated with current\ntreatments for NK.\n\n“Patients with neurotrophic keratitis face a serious, sight-threatening\ndisease, and the practical demands of treatment can place a significant burden\non patients and their caregivers,” said Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S.,\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Visara. “VIS-102 was designed to\naddress that directly. We believe its molecular architecture and refrigerated,\nready-to-use format could simplify care for patients and providers. VIS-102 is\na compelling addition to our pipeline as we build a company addressing unmet\nneeds across the front and back of the eye.”\n\n“The expansion of Visara’s pipeline illustrates how we are applying the\nNovaBridge model to build focused franchises around differentiated\ninnovation,” said Srishti Gupta, M.D., M.P.P., Chief Executive Officer of\nNovaBridge. “With VIS-102, Visara expands beyond retinal disease into a\nsecond area of significant unmet need. We believe this is an important step in\nbuilding Visara into a broader ophthalmology company and demonstrates the\nrepeatability of the NovaBridge approach to creating long-term value.”\n\nThe program has demonstrated encouraging early clinical activity to date,\nfurther supporting Visara's decision to expand into NK through the\nin-licensing of VIS-102. Phase 1b data in a population of Chinese subjects\nwith severe NK showed that in the highest dose cohort of VIS-102, after a\nsingle 8-week course, subjects achieved 50% complete corneal healing, whereas\n14% of those in the vehicle control group had complete corneal healing at Week\n4. In the study, those on vehicle then crossed over to active treatment from\nWeek 4 to Week 8 and achieved 43% complete corneal healing after a 4-week\ncourse of VIS-102. Treatment related ocular adverse events were all mild and\nconsistent with trials of rhNGF. No subjects withdrew or discontinued the\nstudy due to a related adverse event. The study will continue an expansion\nphase to evaluate the highest dose at both 6 times daily and 3 times daily\n8-week regimens in Chinese patients with NK.\n\nThe License Agreement expands Visara’s pipeline beyond its tetravalent\nVEGF-A × ANG-2 peptibody (VIS-101) being developed for neovascular retinal\ndiseases and represents an important step in its evolution into a diversified\nophthalmology company. VIS-102 complements Visara’s existing focus on\nretinal vascular diseases by extending its portfolio into neuroprotection and\nthe treatment of rare ocular surface disease.\n\nUnder the terms of the License Agreement, Visara will receive exclusive rights\nto develop and commercialize VIS-102 worldwide excluding Greater China. Hiteck\nwill receive an up-front payment as well as potential development, regulatory\nand commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties on net sales.\n\nAbout VIS-102\nVIS-102 is an investigational, next-generation modified recombinant human\nnerve growth factor therapy being developed for the treatment of neurotrophic\nkeratitis. VIS-102 incorporates modifications to the human nerve growth factor\namino acid sequence intended to increase resistance to enzymatic degradation\nand support stability at refrigerated temperatures. It is designed to be\nsupplied in ready-to-use, single-dose units, potentially simplifying storage,\ndistribution and patient administration.\n\nAbout Neurotrophic Keratitis\nNeurotrophic keratitis is a rare, degenerative disease caused by impaired\nsensory innervation of the cornea. The resulting loss of corneal sensation and\nneurotrophic support can impair healing and lead to persistent epithelial\ndefects, corneal ulceration, stromal melting, perforation and permanent vision\nloss.\n\nAbout Visara\nVisara is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing\nnext-generation biologic therapies for ophthalmic diseases affecting both the\nfront and back of the eye. From the cornea to the retina, Visara pursues the\nfull spectrum of ocular disease as vision is irreplaceable, and the unmet need\nis profound. Visara is a majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary of NovaBridge\nBiosciences (NASDAQ: NBP). Its pipeline includes VIS-101, a tetravalent VEGF-A\n× ANG-2 peptibody being developed for neovascular retinal diseases, and\nVIS-102, a next-generation modified recombinant human nerve growth factor\ntherapy being developed for neurotrophic keratitis.\n\nAbout NovaBridge Biosciences\nNovaBridge Biosciences (\"NovaBridge\") (NASDAQ: NBP) is a global biotechnology\ncompany advancing a portfolio of therapeutic programs in oncology and\nophthalmology. The Company identifies differentiated therapeutic\nopportunities, generates value-defining clinical evidence, and applies the\ndevelopment, financing and partnering strategy best suited to each program.\n\nNovaBridge's portfolio is led by givastomig, a Claudin 18.2 × 4-1BB\nbispecific antibody being developed for the potential treatment of\ngastrointestinal malignancies, and Visara, its majority-owned ophthalmology\nsubsidiary. Through Visara, NovaBridge is building a diversified ophthalmology\nfranchise designed to address unmet needs across diseases of the front and\nback of the eye.\n\nNovaBridge's objective is to build a sustainable biotechnology company by\nrepeatedly identifying differentiated innovation, advancing it efficiently,\nand bringing novel therapies to patients through the path best suited to each\nopportunity.\n\nFor more information, please visit www.novabridge.com and follow us on\nLinkedIn\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=S2RVMeTL5r79Jyev4VqVbaSABCBQTH55k6GKThSaz_E8WA24GUr6T9y52Sm1DGUuAvhSFBvPRaZa-Dt4Bn73l8gs0gBal-zdzven-L4D_RuR-nYQD8Ff_FopSGjYuyBFuvUB1n1nasvikmGA5o9hCQ==).\n\nForward Looking Statements\nThis announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are\nmade under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities\nLitigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be\nidentified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,”\n“designed to,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,”\n“plans,” “potential,” “estimates,” “confident,” and similar\nterms or the negative thereof. NovaBridge and Visara may also make written or\noral forward-looking statements in NovaBridge’s periodic reports to the U.S.\nSecurities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to\nshareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral\nstatements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties.\nStatements that are not historical facts, including statements about\nNovaBridge’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements.\nForward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation,\nstatements regarding: the anticipated achievement of development, regulatory\nand commercial milestones under the License Agreement; expected milestone and\nroyalty payments under the License Agreement; the potential benefits of\nVisara’s product candidates, including VIS-102; and the strategy, clinical\ndevelopment, plans, timing, results, safety and efficacy of Visara’s drug\ncandidates, including VIS-102. Forward-looking statements involve inherent\nrisks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially\nfrom those contained in these forward-looking statements, including but not\nlimited to the following: NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability to demonstrate\nthe safety and efficacy of their drug candidates; the clinical results for\ntheir drug candidates, which may or may not support further development or New\nDrug Application/Biologics License Application approval or eligibility for\naccelerated approval pathway or receipt of accelerated approval; the content\nand timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities, including\nthe FDA, regarding regulatory approval of NovaBridge’s or Visara’s drug\ncandidates; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability to achieve commercial success\nfor their drug candidates, if approved; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s ability\nto obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for their\ntechnology and drugs; NovaBridge’s or Visara’s reliance on third parties\nto conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; NovaBridge’s\nor Visara’s limited operating history and their ability to obtain additional\nfunding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization\nof their drug candidates; the impact of macroeconomic conditions, including\ninflation, tariffs, volatile interest rates, regulatory uncertainty, potential\ngovernment shutdowns, volatility in the capital markets, and regional and\nother global events, including ongoing armed conflicts in different regions of\nthe world; and those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors”\nsection in NovaBridge’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on\nApril 7, 2026, and amended on June 16, 2026, as well as the discussions of\npotential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in NovaBridge’s\nsubsequent filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are based on\ninformation currently available to NovaBridge. NovaBridge undertakes no\nobligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,\nwhether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as\nmay be required by law.\n\nNovaBridge Investor & Media Contacts\n\nInvestors:\nBill Begien, SVP, Investor Relations\n+1-240-745-6330\nbill.begien@novabridge.com \nIR@novabridge.com \n\nMedia Inquiries:\nEric Van Zanten, VP, Communications\n+1-610-529-6219\neric.vanzanten@novabridge.com\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ea9f005-c7f7-4272-a3ac-cbf4ea4aef15)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026"},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-10-13T11:00:00.300500702Z","server_sent_at_ms":1791889200300},"received_at":"2026-10-13T11:00:00.385Z","source_url":null},"analysis":{"id":"155537","press_release_id":"167217","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Biotechnology","sector":"Health Care"},"redFlags":["upfront payment amount not disclosed","early-stage Phase 1b data from a small Chinese study; expansion phase ongoing"],"eventType":"partnership","narrative":"NovaBridge's majority-owned subsidiary Visara licensed exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to VIS-102, an investigational nerve growth factor therapy for neurotrophic keratitis, from Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma.\n\nPhase 1b data in Chinese patients with severe NK showed 50% complete corneal healing in the highest dose cohort after a single 8-week course versus 14% in the vehicle control group, with only mild ocular adverse events.\n\nHiteck receives an undisclosed upfront payment plus milestones and tiered royalties; the deal expands Visara beyond retinal vascular disease into ocular surface disease as its second clinical-stage program alongside VIS-101.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":true,"suggestedAngle":"Visara in-licenses VIS-102 with strong Phase 1b NK healing data, diversifying NovaBridge's ophthalmology pipeline beyond retinal disease."},"keyFigures":{"drugName":"VIS-102 (HT006.2.2)","phaseOfTrial":"Phase 1b","customDimensions":{"crossover_healing_rate":"43% after 4-week course","healing_rate_highest_dose":"50% complete corneal healing after single 8-week course","healing_rate_vehicle_control":"14% at Week 4"}},"quotedText":"VIS-102 was designed to address that directly. We believe its molecular architecture and refrigerated, ready-to-use format could simplify care for patients and providers.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S.","role":"President and CEO of Visara"},{"name":"Srishti Gupta, M.D., M.P.P.","role":"CEO of NovaBridge Biosciences"}],"products":["VIS-102","HT006.2.2","VIS-101","givastomig"],"companies":[{"name":"NovaBridge Biosciences","ticker":"NBP","relationship":"filer / parent company"},{"name":"Visara, Inc.","relationship":"majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary"},{"name":"Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd.","relationship":"licensor"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":2,"reasoning":"An early-stage in-licensing deal that expands the ophthalmology pipeline of majority-owned subsidiary Visara, with encouraging Phase 1b data but no disclosed upfront payment amount. Material for pipeline narrative but not a near-term market mover."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[],"primary":"NBP"},"globalImportance":25,"audienceRelevance":15,"eventTypeSecondary":["clinical_trial"],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"small-cap","eventGravity":"early-stage pipeline in-licensing","issuerAuthored":true,"clinicalDataIncluded":true}},"event_type":"partnership","event_type_secondary":["clinical_trial"],"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":2,"narrative":"NovaBridge's majority-owned subsidiary Visara licensed exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to VIS-102, an investigational nerve growth factor therapy for neurotrophic keratitis, from Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma.\n\nPhase 1b data in Chinese patients with severe NK showed 50% complete corneal healing in the highest dose cohort after a single 8-week course versus 14% in the vehicle control group, with only mild ocular adverse events.\n\nHiteck receives an undisclosed upfront payment plus milestones and tiered royalties; the deal expands Visara beyond retinal vascular disease into ocular surface disease as its second clinical-stage program alongside VIS-101.","key_figures":{"drugName":"VIS-102 (HT006.2.2)","phaseOfTrial":"Phase 1b","customDimensions":{"crossover_healing_rate":"43% after 4-week course","healing_rate_highest_dose":"50% complete corneal healing after single 8-week course","healing_rate_vehicle_control":"14% at Week 4"}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S.","role":"President and CEO of Visara"},{"name":"Srishti Gupta, M.D., M.P.P.","role":"CEO of NovaBridge Biosciences"}],"products":["VIS-102","HT006.2.2","VIS-101","givastomig"],"companies":[{"name":"NovaBridge Biosciences","ticker":"NBP","relationship":"filer / parent company"},{"name":"Visara, Inc.","relationship":"majority-owned ophthalmology subsidiary"},{"name":"Wuhan Hiteck Biological Pharma Co., Ltd.","relationship":"licensor"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"model_name":"glm-5.3-flashx","prompt_hash":"sha256:5c812bd9e28b810d","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-10-13T11:00:06.824Z","global_importance":25,"audience_relevance":15,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"small-cap","eventGravity":"early-stage pipeline in-licensing","issuerAuthored":true,"clinicalDataIncluded":true}},"durationMs":6419,"modelName":"glm-5.3-flashx"}}