In a significant boost to Singapore's biomedical research ecosystem, the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), affiliated with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School, has partnered with Japan's Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to launch SONIC 2.0. This three-year, S$21 million initiative aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking disease-modifying therapies for major eye conditions plaguing the nation and beyond. Building on the successes of their previous collaboration, the project underscores Singapore's position as a global hub for higher education-driven ophthalmic innovation, where university-linked research institutes like SERI play a pivotal role in translating scientific discoveries into real-world treatments.

The partnership comes at a critical time, as Singapore grapples with surging rates of vision-threatening diseases amid its rapidly aging population and high myopia prevalence. By combining SERI's clinical expertise with Santen's pharmaceutical prowess, SONIC 2.0 promises not only new treatment candidates but also enhanced training opportunities for the next generation of researchers from local universities.

Singapore faces a perfect storm of eye health challenges. Myopia, or shortsightedness, affects over 80 percent of young adults, with prevalence reaching 65 percent among children by primary six age. High myopia, defined as a prescription stronger than -5.00 diopters, is particularly concerning, as it dramatically increases the risk of complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma. Recent data shows primary one myopia rates have improved to 26 percent from around 30 percent in the mid-2000s, thanks to national screening and intervention programs, but the overall burden remains heavy.

Glaucoma, the 'silent thief of sight,' strikes approximately 10 percent of the population, with half undiagnosed until advanced stages. Alarmingly, surgeries for patients aged 40 to 49 have risen from 22 cases in 2015 to 60 in 2025, largely linked to untreated childhood myopia. Dry eye disease impacts 12.3 percent symptomatically, exacerbated by screen time and urban lifestyles, while presbyopia—age-related near vision loss—affects one in three adults over 40, with uncorrected rates as high as 38 percent in seniors.

These conditions not only diminish quality of life but strain healthcare resources. Projections indicate myopia cases could exceed 2.4 million by mid-century, underscoring the urgency for innovative, preventive therapies rooted in university-led research.

Established in 1997 as the research arm of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), SERI has evolved into the world's top-ranked non-academic ophthalmology institute, second overall globally per ScholarGPS rankings. Directly affiliated with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School, SERI bridges academia and clinical practice, fostering PhD programs, postdoctoral training, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

With over 3,405 peer-reviewed publications and S$309 million in grants, SERI's achievements include pioneering low-dose atropine for myopia and AI-driven screening tools. Its integration with university ecosystems enables seamless talent pipelines—graduate students from NUS and Duke-NUS contribute to projects like SONIC, gaining hands-on experience in translational research. This affiliation model exemplifies how Singapore's higher education institutions drive national health innovations.

SERI's Ocular Surface, Glaucoma, and Myopia programs align perfectly with SONIC 2.0, leveraging university-trained experts to tackle Asia-specific challenges.

Santen, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, specializes in ophthalmology, with a portfolio spanning glaucoma drops to surgical aids. Their expertise in drug discovery and commercialization complements SERI's translational strengths. The company's recent approval of low-dose atropine eye drops (Ryjunea® 0.025%) in Japan—the first myopia progression therapy there—highlights their innovation track record, now expanding to China and Asia.

Through SONIC, Santen invests in Singapore's vibrant ecosystem, supported by the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, to co-develop therapies tailored for diverse populations.

Launched in 2017 with S$37 million, SONIC 1.0 delivered 13 projects across diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, and myopia. Highlights include six joint patents on anti-scarring agents and retina tech, two licensed technologies, and the aforementioned atropine drops, approved in Japan April 2025 after rigorous trials.

This exploratory phase laid the groundwork for SONIC 2.0's targeted approach, demonstrating the power of public-private-university partnerships in accelerating from lab to clinic.

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Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often irreversibly, due to elevated intraocular pressure. Current treatments like eye drops manage symptoms but fail to halt progression. SONIC 2.0 focuses on novel compounds for disease modification, potentially preserving vision longer. With Singapore's rising cases in myopic young adults, this could transform outcomes.

Dry eye and post-surgical scarring cause chronic discomfort and vision loss. Building on SONIC 1.0 patents, the project develops anti-scarring agents applicable across conditions, improving healing and comfort for millions.

Myopia's Asian epidemic demands halting progression. SONIC 2.0 refines strategies, including sustained-release formulations, to protect future generations from high myopia risks.

Affecting near focus in aging eyes, presbyopia lacks robust therapies. The collaboration establishes new models using AI to evaluate candidates, promising drops or implants over reading glasses.

SONIC 2.0 emphasizes training, offering PhD/postdoc slots via NUS and Duke-NUS. This nurtures Singapore's research workforce, with graduates entering academia, industry, or clinical roles. Programs like SERI's Junior Overseas Scientist Fellowship enhance global exposure.

For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in higher education research positions.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Under RIE 2025, SONIC bolsters Singapore's hub status, projecting product launches by 2035 and economic returns via IP commercialization. It exemplifies university-industry synergy, vital for Higher Education News in Singapore.

SONIC 2.0 could yield two clinical candidates, reshaping treatments amid Asia's myopia surge and global aging. For Singapore's universities, it cements leadership in precision medicine, inspiring students and faculty alike.

Stakeholders anticipate breakthroughs addressing unmet needs, ensuring clearer futures for millions.