Key Takeaways:
Bayer is placing a multi-billion dollar bet on a new approach to treating two of the world's leading causes of blindness.
Bayer agreed to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics for up to $2.45 billion, a move that adds a promising late-stage candidate for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy to its ophthalmology pipeline and marks a significant investment in a novel mechanism to treat eye disease.
"With this acquisition, we are complementing our expertise in ophthalmology and our pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing urgently needed therapies for patients,” Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, said.
The deal includes a $300 million upfront payment with an additional potential of $2.15 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. The centerpiece of the acquisition is PER-001, a small molecule endothelin receptor antagonist in Phase II development. The drug is delivered via a bio-erodible implant and is designed to provide sustained release, targeting ischemia-induced ocular diseases.
The acquisition gives Bayer a potential first-in-class treatment for diseases affecting a massive patient population, with glaucoma impacting up to 80 million people and diabetic retinopathy affecting 146 million worldwide. For Perfuse, the deal provides the global scale and resources of a major pharmaceutical company to bring its lead asset to market, potentially changing the treatment landscape for millions at risk of irreversible vision loss.
PER-001 works by antagonizing the endothelin receptor. Endothelin is the most potent vasoconstrictor in the human body and its upregulation is implicated in several major ocular diseases. By blocking its action, PER-001 aims to improve blood flow, reduce ischemia, and protect retinal cells from damage—a different approach from existing treatments for glaucoma that primarily focus on lowering intraocular pressure.
For glaucoma, which is projected to affect 112 million people by 2040, PER-001 could become one of the first neuroprotective treatments that prevent disease progression independently of eye pressure. For diabetic retinopathy, a complication affecting about 25 percent of adults with diabetes, the therapy aims to improve contrast sensitivity and reduce ischemia, potentially slowing or reversing vision loss.
Bayer's move to bolster its drug pipeline comes as the company navigates challenges in other parts of its business. The transaction, valued at up to $2.45 billion, reflects the high stakes and potential rewards in the ophthalmology market. BofA Securities acted as the exclusive financial advisor for Bayer, with Baker McKenzie as legal counsel. Centerview Partners LLC advised Perfuse, with Goodwin Procter LLP providing legal counsel. The acquisition is pending antitrust clearance and approval from Perfuse stockholders.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
