Published on January 18, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Alcon
(NYSE: ACL),
the world’s leader in eye care, announced today that it will purchase
the rights in the United States for two FDA-approved topical eye care
products from Sirion Therapeutics, Inc. The two products purchased are
Durezol™, a marketed ophthalmic corticosteroid approved for the
treatment of inflammation and pain associated with eye surgery, and
Zirgan™, a recently approved antiviral for the treatment of acute
herpetic keratitis (corneal ulcers). In addition to these marketed
products, Alcon also acquired the global rights, excluding Latin
America, for Zyclorin™. This product is currently in clinical
development to treat dry eye and other ocular surface diseases.
“Durezol™ provides physicians with a steroid to treat both inflammation
and pain following a wide range of ophthalmic surgeries”
“The acquisition of these products from Sirion is part of our business
development strategy to gain access to late-stage or approved products
that will incrementally add to sales in the near-term, while also
building our long-term pipeline,” said Kevin Buehler, Alcon’s president
and chief executive officer. “Upon closing, this deal will allow Alcon
to capitalize on the U.S. registration approval for Durezol™ and Zirgan™
with the existing commercial capability in the United States to maximize
the brand development and revenue opportunities.”
"Durezol™ provides physicians with a steroid to treat both inflammation
and pain following a wide range of ophthalmic surgeries,” said Robert H.
Osher, MD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine and medical director emeritus of the Cincinnati Eye
Institute. “Physicians will also appreciate the comfort and relief our
patients receive for herpetic corneal ulcers with Zirgan™, due to its
low toxicity, potency and targeted antiviral effect.”
The closing of this agreement is expected to occur by the end of the
first quarter of 2010 and is contingent upon customary closing
conditions and required regulatory approvals.
SOURCE Alcon