Alcon announces two collaborations geared to expand ophthalmic drug portfolio

HUNENBERG, Switzerland — Alcon has entered into a licensing agreement and expanded an existing agreement with two companies to broaden its ophthalmic drug portfolio, the company announced in a press release.

Alcon has signed a licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for global ophthalmic rights to cilomilast, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor with indications for treating dry eye as well as other ophthalmic conditions, the release said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcon will tender GlaxoSmithKline an initial payment, as well as further fees upon meeting developmental milestones and securing ophthalmic product approvals. In addition, Alcon will forfeit royalties on future product sales incorporating the compound. GlaxoSmithKline will retain all rights to cilomilast for non-ophthalmic indications and will hold the right to co-promote cilomilast to physicians for ophthalmic indications.

Alcon has also expanded an existing drug research collaboration with Origenis with the goal of developing small molecules for treating eye diseases, according to the release.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcon will retain the rights to any products developed for ophthalmic and nasal applications and Origenis will retain rights to all other uses of drug candidates discovered through the collaboration. In addition, Alcon will tender Origenis a string of development milestone payments and sales royalties.