Bausch + Lomb buys ganciclovir from Sirion

Rochester, NY

-Bausch + Lomb has purchased the assets and U.S. rights for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan) from Sirion Therapeutics Inc., announced Bausch + Lomb in a press release.

Ganciclovir 0.15% was approved by the FDA in 2009 as a topical anti-viral for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (corneal ulcers). In 2007, Sirion Therapeutics acquired a license for the product technology and trademark from Laboratoires Théa, of France, for the U.S. market. Sirion introduced the ophthalmic gel to the U.S. market earlier this year.

"Our acquisition of [ganciclovir 0.15%] is an important step in further expanding our innovative product portfolio, which spans the ophthalmic spectrum," said Brent L. Saunders, chief executive officer, Bausch + Lomb.

The ophthalmic gel has been the standard-of-care therapy in Europe for more than a decade, developed and sold worldwide under the Virgan trademark by Laboratoires Théa, according to the press release.

"With its tolerability, convenience, and targeted anti-viral effect, we believe [the ophthalmic gel] will experience rapid adoption by U.S. physicians for the benefit of their patients," said Philip Gioia, head of North America Pharmaceuticals, Bausch + Lomb.

Ganciclovir 0.15% currently is available by prescription through U.S. pharmacies. The ophthalmic gel also is stocked with all major U.S. pharmaceutical wholesalers.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.