Alcon finalizes deal to acquire Aerie Pharmaceuticals

Alcon has completed its acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals.

Alcon today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc. in a deal that will bolster the company’s presence in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space with its growing portfolio of commercial products and development pipeline.

Through the transaction, Alcon has added 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.

Alcon has also acquired a pipeline of ophthalmic pharmaceutical product candidates with the opportunity to leverage Aerie’s existing research and development capabilities.

“As we welcome the Aerie team to Alcon, we look forward to leveraging our expanding commercial footprint and expertise to bring Rocklatan and Rhopressa to even more customers and their patients,” said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon. “Alcon has a rich history in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space rooted in a deep understanding of Eye Care Professionals. We are excited to add Aerie’s significant technical expertise to Alcon R&D, which enhances our efforts to build a compelling portfolio of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.”

The transaction also complements Alcon’s expansion into the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space, including acquisitions of the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for Simbrinza from Novartis in April 2021 and Eysuvis and Inveltys from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in May 2022.

Alcon intends to fully integrate Aerie into its business. As previously disclosed, the company has used debt to fund the transaction for a total purchase consideration of approximately $930 million.

J.P. Morgan acted as Alcon’s financial advisor for the transaction, and Alcon’s legal advisor was Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Lazard acted as Aerie’s financial advisors for the transaction, and Aerie’s legal advisor was Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

References

1. Ophthalmology Drugs Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030.