Alcon and Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement through which Alcon will acquire Aerie in a transaction valued at approximately $753 million.
 
The acquisition expands Alcon’s footprint in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space and is expected to add broader R&D capabilities to its existing commercial efforts.
 
Alcon will add the commercial products netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution (Rocklatan) 0.02%/0.005% and netarsudil ophthalmic solution (Rhopressa) 0.02%, as well as AR-15512, a Phase 3 product candidate for dry eye disease, alond with a pipeline of several clinical and preclinical ophthalmic pharmaceutical product candidates.
 
The transaction complements Alcon’s recent expansion into the ophthalmic pharmaceutical eye drop space, including acquisitions of the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights to Simbrinza from Novartis in April 2021 and of Eysuvis and Inveltys from Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc. in May of this year.
 
“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 of Alcon. “We have a 75-year history focused specifically on the eye and bring established expertise in development and commercial execution.”
 
Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2022.