Alcon, Amgen collaborate on ocular therapeutics

Fort Worth, TX-Alcon Laboratories Inc. and Amgen have reached an agreement to research, develop, and commercialize therapeutics collaboratively for the treatment of eye disease. The agreement encompasses multiple biologic targets and disease areas within ophthalmology.

According to terms of the agreement, Thousand Oaks, CA-based Amgen will provide existing and future molecules that have been or are identified to have potential utility in eye disease. The company will have the option to co-promote collaboration products.

Alcon will lead clinical development and commercialization activities for molecules jointly selected by the companies. Amgen will grant Alcon an exclusive license within the field of ophthalmology for product candidates resulting from the collaboration but will retain rights for all non-ophthalmic uses.

"Alcon has broad capabilities to explore the utility of our molecules in diseases of the eye and to commercialize eye-care products that may come from this collaboration," said Roger M. Perlmutter, Amgen's executive vice president, research and development. "We are optimistic that together, Amgen and Alcon can create innovative therapies that will provide meaningful benefits to patients."

The parties either will share profits on commercial products or Alcon will pay Amgen performance milestones and royalties. This will be decided by Amgen on a product-by-product basis. No other financial terms were disclosed.