Glaucoma, which is damage to the optic nerve, is the second leading cause of blindness globally and is likely to increase as the world's population ages, the World Health Organisation says.

The most commonly prescribed treatments for glaucoma include Pfizer Xalatan, known generically as latanoprost, Novartis Travatan, and Allergan's Lumigan.

Nicox, which already has a U.S-approved drug, Vyzulta, to treat glaucoma, is currently developing a second-generation product, NCX 470, for which it has entered in phase II clinical trials.

Under the terms of its agreement with Ocumension, Nicox is to receive royalties from 6-12 percent on net sales of NCX 470 in China. Ocumension is to conduct additional clinical studies for the regulatory approval of the drug in the country.

Nicox will also receive up to 36.25 million euros (32.58 million pounds) in development and commercial milestone payments, including a 3-million euro upfront payment.

(Reporting by Matthias Blamont; editing by David Evans)

Stocks treated in this article : Novartis, Allergan plc, Pfizer, Nicox