Alcon completes acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals

Alcon completed its acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals earlier this month, according to a press release. This transation adds pharmaceutical research and development capabilities, further expanding expertise for future product pipelines, as well as explands Alcon's presence in the $20 billion global ophthalmic pharmaceutical category.¹

“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," said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon, in a press release.

Through the transaction, Alcon has added the commercial products Rocklatan (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.02%/0.005% and Rhopressa(netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%, as well as AR-15512, a Phase 3 product candidate for dry eye disease.

Alcon has also acquired a pipeline of ophthalmic pharmaceutical product candidates with the opportunity to leverage Aerie’s existing research and development capabilities.

The transaction complements Alcon’s expansion intothe ophthalmic pharmaceutical space, including acquisitions of the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for Simbrinza from Novartis in April 2021 and Eysuvis and Inveltys from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in May 2022.

Alcon intends to fully integrate Aerie into its business. As previously disclosed, the company has used debt to fund the transaction for a total purchase consideration of approximately $930 million.

References

1. Ophthalmology Drugs Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030.