New ophthalmic company to initially focus on dry eye OTC remedy

ATLANTA — Alimera Sciences, a newly formed ophthalmic company focusing on over-the-counter products, has secured $26.75 million in financing, according to a company release. The company was founded last year by former Novartis Ophthalmics executives and will focus on in-licenses, co-developing and marketing specialty pharmaceuticals that address “underserved clinical areas within the ophthalmic market,” according to the release.

Over the next 18 months, Alimera will launch a line of OTC products, the first of which will be a differentiated dry eye product scheduled to be introduced in the fall, the company said.

The funding — raised by four venture capital companies — will support “rapid product commercialization and continued development of our existing portfolio,” said Dan Myers, president and chief executive officer of Alimera.