MONTREAL—I-MED Pharma Inc., a Canadian company specializing in dry eye diagnosis and management, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Quidel Corp., a U.S.-based provider of rapid diagnostic testing solutions. The agreement covers I-MED Pharma’s I-Lid ‘n Lash product line, I-Relief hot and cold therapy eye mask with thermabeads and SMTube. I-MED Pharma president Daniel Hofmann said he believes this is “the start to a very promising partnership with a company that shares our drive and commitment to improving the ocular health of patients globally.” He added, “We are confident that this alliance will lead to many further collaborations in the future.”

Quidel provides InflammaDry and AdenoPlus Eye Health diagnostic assays, which are rapid, lateral-flow based, point-of-care (POC) products for the detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases and conditions of the eye. InflammaDry is Quidel’s diagnostic test that detects elevated levels of MMP-9, a key inflammatory marker for a condition known as Dry Eye Syndrome. The product utilizes patented technology and is FDA-cleared, CLIA-waived, and a complement to Quidel's existing rapid diagnostic testing solutions.

"We are pleased to partner with I-MED Pharma in providing ocular patients and health care providers with test-and-treat solutions at the point of care," Quidel’s Rick Graham, senior director, business development, said in the announcement. “We look forward to growing the eye health business in the future through further I-MED Pharma product introductions, as well as added diagnostic testing opportunities."

I-MED Pharma Inc. serves ophthalmologists, optometrists and the global eyecare community and is at the forefront of managing Dry Eye Syndrome as a serious disease, the company noted.