Ripple Therapeutics, a clinical stage company focused on improving ophthalmic therapeutics with controllable sustained delivery implants, announced it entered into an evaluation program and licensing option agreement with an affiliate of Bausch + Lomb.

Ripple’s patented technology platform is based on a discovery that drugs can be chemically engineered into controlled release pharmaceuticals without the use of polymers, which can cause inflammation. These proprietary prodrugs undergo surface erosion to give zero order release kinetics and are highly engineerable to tailor both drug dose and duration.

While specific terms were not disclosed, Bausch + Lomb said it will fund the early-stage feasibility and preclinical evaluation of the target molecule and will have the option to license any formulations being evaluated under the program for additional financial consideration, including milestones and royalties.

“We’re pleased to partner with Bausch + Lomb and look forward to working with them to develop sustained release implants that will benefit patients with extended duration and improved safety,” commented Tom Reeves, President and CEO of Ripple Therapeutics, in a press release from the company.