The Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have announced the launch of the Santen-SERI Open Innovation Centre (SONIC) 2.0, a collaborative initiative to advance disease-modifying therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. This next-generation research collaboration seeks to combine Santen’s pharmaceutical expertise with SERI’s clinical and translational research capabilities.
Building on the success of their previous collaboration, SONIC 1.0, which was a S$37m partnership from 2017 to 2023, SONIC 2.0 aims to accelerate the development of first-in-class treatments for major eye diseases. The initiative underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between SERI and Santen, which began in 2014.
The official launch event is scheduled for 3 December 2025 at the Singapore National Eye Centre. The programme will include a welcome address by Jodhbir Mehta, Executive Director of SERI, and a presentation by Aung Tin, CEO of the Singapore National Eye Centre and Principal Investigator for SONIC 2.0. Rie Nakajima, Director of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Santen, will also deliver a speech.
The event will culminate in a signing ceremony between SERI and Santen, followed by media interviews with key figures from both organisations. This collaboration is expected to significantly impact the development of innovative treatments for eye diseases, potentially improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
