Expands Previous Research Collaboration to Include 2nd Largest Ophthalmic Market

Alpharetta, GA and Emeryville, CA (May 4, 2015) – Clearside Biomedical, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drug therapies to treat blinding diseases of the eye, and Santen Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Santen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., today announced the expansion of their research collaboration to include the field of glaucoma. The two companies have been working together since January 2013 to develop drugs to treat diseases afflicting the retina and choroid that can eventually lead to blindness. The expanded collaboration will now study the use of Clearside’s proprietary microinjector to deliver sustained intraocular pressure-lowering medications.

“We are very pleased with our current retinal disease research collaboration focusing on select Santen sustained-release formulations administered via suprachoroidal (SCS) administration using Clearside’s proprietary microinjector,” said Yusuf Ali, PhD, Vice President, Research and Development at Santen. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Clearside to investigate Clearside’s proprietary methods of accessing the SCS for the treatment of additional blinding diseases such as glaucoma.”

“Santen has been an excellent collaborator in exploring the emerging field of SCS administration. Their access to new compounds and formulation technology has helped us understand the possibilities of SCS administration,” stated Daniel White, Clearside’s president and CEO. “Our collaborative goal is to provide effective and safe long-term drug therapy via SCS administration that may eliminate the daily requirement of eye drop therapy to treat causes leading to glaucoma.”

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that, in most cases, produce increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. This elevated IOP is caused by a backup of fluid in the eye that, if left untreated, causes damage to the optic nerve leading to decreased visual acuity and potentially blindness. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and it is estimated that more than 2.7 million Americans have this disease. The treatment for glaucoma depends on the nature and severity of each case. In general, glaucoma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Eye drops, laser procedures and surgical procedures are most commonly used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring.

About Clearside Biomedical, Inc.

Clearside Biomedical, Inc., headquartered in Alpharetta, GA, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drug therapies to treat chronic, blinding diseases of the eye. Clearside’s product candidates focus on diseases affecting the retina and the choroid, especially diseases associated with macular edema. Visit www.clearsidebio.com for more information.

About Santen, Inc.

Santen Inc., based in Emeryville, CA is the U.S. subsidiary of Santen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., a specialty company dedicated to the ophthalmic and anti-rheumatic fields that carries out the research, development, sales, and marketing of pharmaceuticals. The company has 15 bases in 12 countries and delivers products to consumers in more than 70 countries. In Japan, Santen holds the No. 1 share in the prescription ophthalmic pharmaceutical market. As a leading company in the field of ophthalmology, Santen aims to contribute to society by supplying valuable products and services to satisfy unmet medical needs. Additional corporate information is available online at www.santen.com.

Contact

Clearside Biomedical, Inc.
Charles Deignan, 678-270-4005 charlie.deignan@clearsidebio.com