CBT-004 eye drops are a potential first-in-class global new drug candidate for the treatment of hyperemic conjunctival macula. The pharmaceutical industry has learned that in December 2023, CBT-004 has completed Phase II clinical trials in the US and has enrolled the first patient.

Hyperemic conjunctival macula is a round, yellowish raised tissue that grows on the conjunctiva near the cornea. Accumulated ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of hyperemic conjunctival macula. Generally, asymptomatic palpebral fissure macules do not require treatment, but their yellowish color and raised outline may cause ocular surface irritation either mechanically or related to poor tear film. When the lesion becomes vascularized and/or inflamed, symptoms such as eye congestion, discomfort, pain, foreign body sensation, tearing, and itching may occur.

According to the report, there are currently no approved drugs in the world for the treatment of hyperemic conjunctival macula. Globally, the number of patients with conjunctival macula will reach 1.1496 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2% from 2018 to 2022. It is expected to reach 1.2171 billion in 2027 and 1.2838 billion in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1% from 2022 to 2027 and a compound annual growth rate of 1.1% from 2027 to 2032.

CBT-004 is a potential new ophthalmic drug that is the first of its kind in the world. It uses a breakthrough multi-kinase inhibitor to target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor.