Express | US$770 million in acquisition of multiple ophthalmic drugs, Alcon expands drug pipeline

▎WuXi AppTec Content Team Editor

Alcon and Aerie Pharmaceuticals announced today that they have reached an agreement whereby Alcon will acquire Aerie for approximately $770 million. Alcon will receive the marketed products Rocklatan (netasudil and latanoprost eye drops) and Rhopressa (netasudil eye drops) to reduce intraocular pressure in patients. The company will also gain access to AR-15512, an investigational dry eye treatment in Phase 3 clinical development, and Aerie’s pipeline of clinical and preclinical ophthalmology candidates. The press release noted that the acquisition will further expand Alcon’s drug development capabilities.

Aerie’s investigational therapy AR-15512, a small molecule TRPM8 ion channel agonist, represents an innovative mechanism for the treatment of dry eye disease. TRPM8 ion channels are distributed on the cornea and eyelid and are cold-sensitive receptors that sense the decrease in corneal temperature due to tear volatilization. Elevating TRPM8 activity can increase baseline tear secretion and blink frequency.

In a phase 2 clinical trial, AR-15512 significantly increased tear secretion in patients after 1 or 14 days of treatment, while patients’ symptoms improved significantly after 14 days of treatment ease. However, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint. Based on the evaluation of the overall data, Aerie has decided to initiate two Phase 3 clinical trials to further evaluate the efficacy of AR-15512.

▲Aerie’s product pipeline (Image source: Aerie’s official website)

“Alcon is committed to developing innovative ophthalmic therapies, particularly in the areas of glaucoma and dry eye,” said David Endicott, Alcon CEO, “We have focused on ophthalmology for over 75 years. Years to provide development and commercialization execution expertise. Aerie’s pipeline and R&D capabilities, as well as R&D capabilities, provide the basis for our expansion in ophthalmic medicines. As we expand into glaucoma, retina and ocular surface disease pipeline, and we’re excited to help more patients achieve better vision.”

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