Alcon has acquired Aerie Pharmaceuticals, driving further pharmaceutical development capabilities and growth, plus access to ophthalmic solutions Rocklatan and Rhopressa. 

The transaction bolsters Alcon’s presence in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space, offering a growing portfolio of products including intraocular-pressure-lowering drops Rocklatan (netarsudil/latanoprost 0.02%/0.005% ophthalmic solution) and Rhopressa (netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution), dry eye drop AR-15512, as well as a phase-3 product candidate for dry eye disease. 

“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, Alcon CEO. “Alcon has a rich history in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical space, rooted in a deep understanding of eyecare 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 complements Alcon’s acquisitions of the exclusive US commercialisation rights for Simbrinza (brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate) from Novartis in April 2021 and loteprednol etabonate products Eysuvis and Inveltys from Kala Pharmaceuticals in May 2022.