AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. has entered into an exclusive license and distribution agreement with JK Medical, Inc. covering seven Latin American countries: Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia. Under the agreement, JK Medical will market and distribute AXIM's TearScan® Lactoferrin Diagnostic Test for aiding in the diagnosis of aqueous-deficient Dry Eye Disease and the TearScan® IgE Diagnostic Test for aiding in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis within the covered territory.
The partnership represents a significant advancement in addressing the substantial unmet need in ocular healthcare across Latin America. Dry Eye Disease affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide, including tens of millions across Latin America, yet clinicians face persistent challenges in accurate diagnosis and differentiation between various forms of the condition. The collaboration pairs AXIM's pioneering lateral-flow diagnostics with JK Medical's regional market access and commercialization capabilities to accelerate adoption of point-of-care ocular testing throughout the region.
This expansion matters because current diagnostic methods for dry eye disease have significant limitations. Visual inspection alone cannot determine whether the cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, inadequate tear production, or a combination of both. Some patients may not have obvious visual signs but still experience significant symptoms, while others may show visual signs of damage but not report symptoms. The TearScan® portfolio addresses these challenges by providing objective biomarkers that complement clinical evaluation.
The diagnostic approach enables clinicians to test for Lactoferrin levels to determine whether a patient has aqueous-deficient dry eye if levels are below normal. If Lactoferrin levels are normal, clinicians can then test IgE levels for allergic conjunctivitis. If both tests show normal results, the dry eye may be due to evaporative dry eye, prompting additional targeted testing. Since dry eye disease is often multifactorial, administering both tests is advisable as patients may have a combination of conditions.
Catalina Valencia, CEO of AXIM Biotechnologies, stated that this partnership represents a major step in expanding access to rapid, clinic-friendly ocular diagnostics throughout Latin America. By combining AXIM's TearScan® portfolio with JK Medical's established footprint, the companies can support eye-care professionals with objective biomarkers that complement clinical evaluation for dry eye disease and ocular allergy.
Juan Carlos Torres, CEO of JK Medical, Inc., noted that Latin America's providers are eager for in-office tools that can streamline diagnosis and guide treatment decisions for dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis. The agreement grants JK Medical exclusive rights to market and distribute TearScan® tests across the seven countries, with a four-year period of exclusivity commencing once regulatory approval is obtained in two out of the seven countries, except in Chile where commercialization can occur immediately.
The TearScan® portfolio is positioned as the only point-of-care solution that enables eye-care professionals to identify whether a patient has aqueous-deficient dry eye, allergy, or a combination of these conditions. This capability allows for correct differential diagnosis at the first visit and supports selection of targeted therapies while tracking treatment efficacy over time. With TearScan® Lactoferrin and TearScan® IgE tests, physicians can save valuable chair time while giving patients faster, more accurate answers. These inexpensive and rapid tests are becoming primary front-line tools in dry eye and ocular allergy care, potentially transforming how these common conditions are managed across Latin American healthcare systems. For more information about AXIM's technology, visit https://www.aximbiotech.com.
