Alcon acquires rights to three Sirion products

Fort Worth, TX-In the midst of its contentious merger offer from Novartis, Alcon Inc. announced it will acquire the rights to three products from Tampa, FL-based Sirion Therapeutics Inc.

On Jan. 18, Alcon said it would acquire the U.S. rights to two FDA-approved products-difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (Durezol) 0.05%, an ophthalmic corticosteroid in drop form for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with eye surgery, and ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan), which the FDA approved on Sept. 17 for treating acute herpetic keratitis. In April 2007, the FDA had granted the gel orphan drug status.

The acquisition also gives Alcon nearly global rights, excluding Latin America, to cyclosporine (Zyclorin), an investigational drug being developed to treat dry eye and other ocular surface diseases. The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2010, and hinges on customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.

"While the potential Novartis deal is certainly an issue for us, our leadership is focused more on continuing to build Alcon's commercial capabilities and research pipeline," MacHatton said. "The Sirion deal is a good example of that, as it brings a currently marketed product in Durezol, the recently approved orphan drug Zirgan that will be launched soon, and a potential dry-eye treatment for our pipeline."

MacHatton declined to say the cost of the acquisitions.

Sirion spokeswoman Erin Parsons said the deal is "totally separate" from Alcon's discussions with Novartis. "We are certain this will not affect the completion of the deal between Alcon and Sirion," she said.