Alcon to Acquire EYSUVIS Adding to Its Ophthalmic Eye Drop Portfolio

Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire EYSUVIS (loteprednol etabonate suspension) 0.25% pharmaceutical eye drops from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The acquisition will complement Alcon’s existing portfolio in the large and fast-growing dry eye category. EYSUVIS will complement the Systane family of eye drops which includes the recently launched Systane Preservative-Free formulations now available in a convenient, multi-dose bottle. While the Systane family is used for ongoing management of dry eye symptoms, EYSUVIS will provide Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) with an option for short-term treatment to mitigate dry eye disease.

Over 30 million people in the United States suffer from dry eye.¹ Alcon research shows that about 20-25% of dry eye patients experience acute episodes of dry eye on average twice per year.² EYSUVIS, a corticosteroid, may be prescribed by ECPs during these episodes of acute dry eye.

EYSUVIS was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in January 2021 as the first-and-only corticosteroid indicated for up to two weeks of treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The prescription therapy utilizes a proprietary drug delivery technology known as AMPPLIFY to enhance penetration of loteprednol etabonate into targeted tissue on the ocular surface, helping to prevent flares associated with dry eye disease.

“We will be pleased to add EYSUVIS to our growing pharmaceutical portfolio,” said Sergio Duplan, President, North America at Alcon. “EYSUVIS is a natural fit for our newly formed ophthalmic eye drop sales force in the United States. With our strong expertise in market access and commercial execution, we are well-positioned to build the market for acute dry eye treatment.”

As part of the agreement, Alcon will also acquire INVELTYS (loteprednol etabonate suspension) 1%, the only corticosteroid for twice-a-day treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery.

Under terms of the agreement, Alcon will pay $60 million in upfront consideration to Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alcon may be required to make additional contingent payments upon achievement of certain commercial milestones. The transaction is anticipated to close in Q3 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Revenues for EYSUVIS and INVELTYS for full-year 2021 were $6.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Alcon’s full year 2022 guidance is unchanged as a result of the transaction.