TME Pharma Faces Setback as Singapore Eye Research Institute Ends Collaboration

TME Pharma, a German biotech company, has encountered a significant obstacle in its ophthalmology program as the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) terminates their partnership. This development comes less than seven months after the two entities had solidified their collaboration on an eye disease program, forcing TME to reassess its strategy for its promising drug candidate, NOX-E36.

Partnership Dissolution and Strategic Pivot

The collaboration, which was announced in June 2025, had established a fixed revenue-sharing model and positioned TME Pharma to lead commercial discussions with potential investors and licensing partners. However, TME revealed on January 5, 2026, that SERI had pulled out of the agreement. The company emphasized that the termination was "unrelated to the quality and potential of NOX-E36," an anti-CCL2 RNA aptamer being developed for various ophthalmic indications.

In response to this setback, TME Pharma has swiftly adjusted its approach. Instead of proceeding with clinical trials, the company now plans to initiate studies this month to "validate detection of NOX-E36 in a toxicologically relevant animal." These studies are deemed crucial for enabling local administration of NOX-E36 to patients undergoing glaucoma filtration surgery, as the company aims to continue advancing the program.

Financial Constraints and Future Outlook

TME Pharma's strategic shift comes amid significant financial pressures. The company closed 2025 with a mere $2 million in cash reserves, a quarter of which was contributed by CEO Diede van den Ouden, who assumed the role in June 2025. This limited funding has necessitated a more cost-effective approach to drug development.

Despite these challenges, TME remains committed to its drug pipeline. The company's brain cancer drug, NOX-A12 (olaptesed pegol), is currently in a phase 1/2 clinical trial. However, the future of this program also appears uncertain, with TME stating that the study remains open "so that it can be resumed as soon as a suitable partner is found."

CEO van den Ouden expressed optimism about both NOX-E36 and NOX-A12, stating, "We have high expectations for NOX-36 and NOX-E12 and are currently considering all options." The company plans to present a "clear update and strategy to the market in the coming weeks" and is actively pursuing alternative partnerships to advance its programs.

Cryptocurrency Consideration

In line with some other struggling biotech firms, TME Pharma has been exploring potential investments in cryptocurrencies. However, as of the latest update, the company has not made any moves in this direction, stating that "no attractive opportunity has presented itself, and the company has not invested in the crypto markets."

As TME Pharma navigates these challenges, the pharmaceutical industry watches closely to see how this small biotech will adapt and whether it can secure the partnerships and funding necessary to bring its promising drug candidates to fruition.