Alcon Laboratories announces drug portfolio expansion deals

Alcon Laboratories has announced the execution of a pair of agreements aimed as expanding its products currently under development.

The firm explains it has signed deals with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Origenis GmbH.

It notes the former is a licensing agreement for worldwide ophthalmic rights to cilomilast, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor.

The latter, meanwhile, sees Alcon Laboratories expanding its existing drug research alliance with Origenis with a focus on the development and discovery of the small molecules which could one day play a part in the treatment of diseases of the eye.

Sabri Markabi, chief executive officer and senior vice-president of research and development at the company, states the company’s focus is on expanding its research pipeline through “targeted collaborations”.

He added: “We believe the cilomilast compound has potential for treating dry eye as well as other ophthalmic conditions.

“The expansion of our already successful arrangement with Origenis will also help Alcon add more early-stage compounds to our exploratory efforts.”

Alcon’s deal with GSK will see the eye care company pay an upfront sum, followed by further imbursement following the achievement of development milestones.

In recent days, Alcon announced it will report on its third-quarter financial results for the period ended September 30th after the close of business on October 22nd.