Alcon acquires Aerie Pharmaceuticals to expand eye care business

Alcon, an American Swiss medical company specializing in eye care products, has closed the previously announced $930 million acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals, a NASDAQ-based pharmaceutical company.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Alcon‘s ophthalmic pharmaceutical business through the addition of Rocklatan (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.02%/0.005%, and Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%. Besides, Alcon adds a phase 3 product candidate called AR-15512, which is intended for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Alcon will also get ownership of a pipeline of various clinical and preclinical ophthalmic pharma product candidates, with an option to use the present research and development capabilities and know-how of Aerie Pharmaceuticals.

Alcon acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals. Photo courtesy of Gerd Fahrenhorst/Wikimedia Commons.

David Endicott — Alcon CEO said: “As we welcome the Aerie team to Alcon, we look forward to leveraging our expanding commercial footprint and expertise to bring Rocklatan and Rhopressa to even more customers and their patients.

“Alcon has a rich history in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space rooted in a deep understanding of Eye Care Professionals. We are excited to add Aerie’s significant technical expertise to Alcon R&D, which enhances our efforts to build a compelling portfolio of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.”

Rocklatan and Rhopressa are indicated for lowering elevated intraocular pressure in patients having open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

In April 2021, Alcon acquired the exclusive commercialization rights for Simbrinza in the US from Novartis, and in May 2022, the former purchased Inveltys and Eysuvis from Kala Pharmaceuticals.

Alcon plans to completely integrate Aerie Pharmaceuticals into its business.