Mundipharma acquires Merck’s glaucoma portfolio in areas outside US

Mundipharma Ophthalmology Products Limited has reached an agreement with Merck to acquire Merck’s glaucoma treatment portfolio in Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand, the company announced in a press release.

The portfolio includes Cosopt (dorzolamide hydrochloride-timolol maleate ophthalmic solution), Cosopt preservative-free, Saflutan (tafluprost), Timoptic (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution), Timoptic XE, Timoptic preservative-free, Trusopt (dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) and Trusopt preservative-free.

“This marks a key milestone in strengthening Mundipharma’s footprint and ongoing investment in specialty care medicines,” the release said.

“For Mundipharma, this acquisition is a strategic entry to the global ophthalmology sector with a strong base of proven and trusted products,” Raman Singh, president of Mundipharma Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, said in the release. “Mundipharma will invest our capabilities, leverage Merck’s successful clinical history and continue the legacy of trust by providing high-quality solutions that address critical patient needs and expand access to these important medications in the regions which Mundipharma covers.”

The deal “completes the divestiture of [Merck’s] global ophthalmology business as we continue to sharpen our focus in core markets and therapeutic areas and advance our innovative pipeline,” Muna Bhanji, Merck’s president for hospital and specialty care, said in the release.