Allergan picks up ForSight Vision for $95m

Allergan (NYSE: AGN) said today it inked a deal to buy drug-eluting ophthalmological implant maker ForSight Vision5 for $95 million up front, with a possible milestone payment for launching its drug-eluting device. Pharmaceutical giant Allergan said the device, known as the Helios ring, is designed for extended drug delivery and for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. The Helios is designed to rest on the surface of the eye under the eyelids to release bimatoprost over multiple months to lower IOP in glaucoma and ocular hypertensive patients, Allergan said. “The acquisition of ForSight and its ocular ring technology builds on Allergan’s rich history and deep commitment to eye care innovation. Allergan has been a leader in the development and introduction of novel treatments for underserved eye conditions, including glaucoma, chronic dry eye disease and other ocular conditions. The acquisition of this ring technology demonstrates our commitment to advancing products that can profoundly change the way patients receive treatment – through innovation that helps address non-compliance, increases adherence and improves tolerability,” Allergan CEO Brent Saunders said in a press release. In May, ForSight released Phase II trial data which indicated its Helios ring lowered intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients by about 20% after 6 months. The 130-patient Phase II trial compared 64 patients implanted with the Helios ring with a control arm of 6...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Equipment Authors: Tags: Business/Financial News Mergers & Acquisitions Optical/Ophthalmic Allergan Inc. ForSight Vision Source Type: news