Aton acquires US rights to Timoptic product line, expands ophthalmic offerings

Key Points

Lawrenceville, NJ-Aton Pharma has acquired the U.S. marketing rights to the Timoptic (timolol maleate) product line from Merck & Co. The U.S. Timoptic product line includes Timoptic Ophthalmic Solution, Timoptic in Ocudose (sterile ophthalmic unit dose dispenser), and Timoptic-XE (timolol maleate ophthalmic gel forming solution) Ophthalmic. Timoptic in Ocudose is the only preservative-free medication for glaucoma available in the United States.

"Aton has made the strategic decision to expand our commitment within the field of ophthalmology," said Michael G. Wells, chief executive officer of Aton Pharma. "The acquisition of the US Timoptic franchise significantly enhances our profile within the ophthalmology community while enabling us to serve yet another niche market that is greatly underserved."

Aton Pharma is also the provider of the Lacrisert dry eye insert, a preservative-free, once-daily, sustained-release prescription insert for treatment of dry eye.

"As we have done with Lacrisert and other Aton products, we will concentrate on enhancing distribution, sampling and reimbursement assistance while increasing patient and provider awareness for Timoptic in Ocudose," Wells added.