TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 11, 2026
Formosa Pharmaceuticals has strengthened its global ophthalmology commercialization strategy through a new exclusive licensing agreement with Samil Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. for the commercialization of clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05% (APP13007) in Vietnam. The agreement grants Samil exclusive rights to market the innovative ophthalmic therapy for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, while providing Formosa with upfront payments, regulatory milestone payments, and royalties throughout the partnership term. The transaction marks another significant milestone in Formosa’s international expansion strategy and further deepens its relationship with Samil following a separate licensing agreement signed earlier in 2026 covering the South Korean market. The deal underscores growing demand for advanced ophthalmic therapeutics across Asia and highlights the commercial potential of APP13007 in rapidly expanding eye care markets.
Licensing Agreement Accelerates Expansion in Vietnam’s Ophthalmology Market
The new licensing partnership positions Samil Pharmaceuticals to lead regulatory approval, commercialization, and market access activities for APP13007 in Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing ophthalmic markets. Vietnam currently performs approximately 300,000 cataract surgeries annually, with demand continuing to increase at an estimated 5% annual growth rate. As surgical volumes rise, the need for effective post-operative inflammation and pain management therapies has become increasingly important.
According to industry data, Vietnam’s ophthalmic corticosteroid market generated approximately $4.26 million in annual sales during 2024, creating an attractive opportunity for innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes and simplify recovery protocols. Through this agreement, Formosa aims to expand patient access to a differentiated ophthalmic therapy while leveraging Samil’s strong commercial presence, manufacturing capabilities, and long-standing expertise in eye care across Asia.
APP13007 Offers Innovative Approach to Post-Surgical Eye Care
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APP13007 is an innovative ophthalmic suspension formulated using Formosa Pharmaceuticals’ proprietary APNT® nanoparticle formulation platform, which enhances drug solubility, bioavailability, and tissue penetration. The therapy contains clobetasol propionate, a highly potent corticosteroid designed to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. Already approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, APP13007 has demonstrated a convenient dosing schedule requiring administration only twice daily for 14 days, providing a simpler treatment regimen compared with many traditional ophthalmic steroid therapies. Clinical and market feedback has further strengthened its commercial profile.
In a survey of 100 ophthalmic surgeons in the United States, physicians cited rapid pain relief, with approximately 80% of patients becoming pain-free within four days of surgery, along with a low incidence of adverse events below 2%, as key factors influencing prescribing decisions. These advantages have positioned APP13007 as a potentially important treatment option for ophthalmologists seeking to improve post-operative patient care and recovery experiences.
Strategic Partnership Strengthens Regional Growth Opportunities
The agreement reflects the continued strategic alignment between Formosa Pharmaceuticals and Samil Pharmaceuticals as both companies pursue broader growth within the global ophthalmology sector. Samil, one of South Korea’s most established pharmaceutical companies, has built a strong reputation in ophthalmology and maintains partnerships with several leading international healthcare organizations. The company also operates an advanced manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City that has already secured WHO GMP certification, supporting its ambitions to expand ophthalmic product distribution throughout Asia and beyond.
For Formosa, the Vietnam agreement represents another step in maximizing the commercial potential of APP13007 while advancing its broader “Double A” strategy focused on both advanced drug delivery technologies and antibody-drug conjugate innovation. As demand for effective ophthalmic therapies continues to rise across emerging healthcare markets, the partnership is expected to strengthen both companies’ competitive positions while expanding access to innovative treatments designed to improve recovery outcomes following ocular surgery.
Source: Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Samil Pharmaceuticals press release
