Ocumension Therapeutics Secures Deal with Alcon to Expand Dry Eye Treatment Portfolio in China

China-based ophthalmic pharmaceutical company Ocumension Therapeutics announced an agreement with Alcon under which OcuMension will acquire or secure commercialization rights in China to a portfolio of Alcon’s dry eye treatments and procedural drops, including established products and one in the development stage. The agreement also encompasses research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and commercialization efforts within China.

The agreement grants OcuMension outright ownership in China of several products, including Tears Natural Forte, Bion Tears, Alcaine, Fluorescite, and Cyclogyl. Additionally, OcuMension will acquire the commercialization rights in China for Systane Ultra, a dry eye product; and AR-15512, a novel topical drug candidate for dry eye. Following a transition period, OcuMension will take over manufacturing of the acquired products for the Chinese market and will also be responsible for developing, manufacturing, and commercializing AR-15512 in China.

In exchange for these rights, OcuMension will issue 139,161,120 shares to Alcon, making up 16.71% of OcuMension's total share capital. The deal makes Alcon one of OcuMension's largest shareholders. The agreement further stipulates that both companies will have the right of first negotiation over future products.

"The addition of these seven mature products and AR-15512 to OcuMension's portfolio is expected to further enhance OcuMension's leadership in the ophthalmology field in the China market," OcuMension stated in a company news release. "Through the acquisition of these products, OcuMension expects to be capable of providing more comprehensive and advanced treatment solutions, further meeting patient needs and expanding market share.