Alcon to Purchase Aerie Pharmaceuticals for $770 Million

Alcon, an ophthalmology company, and Aerie Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmologic therapies, announced a definitive merger agreement on Aug. 22, 2022. The agreement will see Alcon purchase Aerie for approximately $770 million in equity, granting it the rights to two recently commercialized medicines, Rocklatan (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution) and Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution). The transaction is set to close in the fourth quarter of 2022.

According to a company press release, netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution is a fixed dose combination of the Rho kinase inhibitor, netarsudil, and a prostaglandin F2α analogue, latanoprost. It is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Netarsudil ophthalmic solution is a Rho kinase inhibitor indicated for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Additionally, the transaction grants Alcon rights to Aerie’s development pipeline, which contains AR-15512, a Phase III product candidate for dry eye disease.

“Alcon is passionate about innovative treatments in eye care, especially in core disorders such as glaucoma and dry eye, which have significant patient impact,” said David Endicott, CEO, Alcon, in the release. “Aerie is a natural fit with on-market and pipeline products, and R&D capabilities that offer the infrastructure needed to expand our ophthalmic pharmaceutical presence. As we continue to broaden our portfolio across glaucoma, retina, and ocular surface disease, we are excited to help even more patients see brilliantly.”

“We are excited to be joining Alcon, a recognized leader in eye care. I am so proud of the Aerie team and the innovation we’ve pioneered,” said Raj Kannan, CEO, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, in the release. “Alcon is the right strategic and financial partner to maximize the potential of Aerie’s commercial franchise and our growing portfolio of pipeline assets. Alcon’s global infrastructure, financial resources, and commercial capabilities will accelerate the standard of care by helping more patients have access to Aerie’s innovative products.”

Source: Aerie Pharmaceuticals