Global eye care leader Alcon has acquired a majority interest in clinical-stage biotech company Aurion Biotech, aiming to accelerate the development of a groundbreaking cell therapy for corneal endothelial disease. The acquisition combines Alcon's extensive global reach with Aurion's specialized expertise in regenerative medicine.
Aurion will continue to operate as a separate entity but will now benefit from Alcon's substantial R&D, regulatory, medical, and commercial capabilities as it advances its lead therapeutic candidate, AURN001, into Phase 3 clinical trials scheduled for the second half of 2025. In conjunction with the acquisition, Aurion has appointed former Chief Scientific Officer Arnaud Lacoste, PhD, as its new CEO.
"Alcon is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative treatments for global unmet needs in eye care, including vision-threatening corneal endothelial disease, which affects millions of people worldwide," said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon. "Dr. Lacoste and the Aurion team have done tremendous work and their technology is a natural fit as we continue to expand our ophthalmic pharmaceutical portfolio."
Breakthrough Technology Addressing Critical Need
AURN001 represents a significant advancement in corneal disease treatment. The therapy has received both Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlighting its potential to address serious unmet medical needs.
The investigational product combines allogeneic human corneal endothelial cells (neltependocel) with a rho kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). This approach targets corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction, a condition that can lead to vision loss and significant discomfort.
One of the most promising aspects of Aurion's technology is its ability to expand cells from a single donor to produce up to 1,000 treatment doses. This innovation could help address the chronic global shortage of corneal tissue, which currently limits treatment options for many patients.
"Since Aurion's formation in 2022, we've achieved significant clinical, regulatory and CMC milestones to bring this much-needed therapy to patients, because we know there is a chronic global shortage of corneal tissue," said Dr. Lacoste. "With our manufacturing innovations, we can expand cells from a single donor to produce up to 1,000 doses. We look forward to leveraging Alcon's global resources and commercial expertise as we initiate our U.S. Phase 3 trials later this year."
Promising Clinical Results
Aurion has completed enrollment and dosing in its Phase 1/2 clinical study (CLARA trial), which involved 97 subjects with corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction. The multi-center, randomized, double-masked trial conducted across sites in the U.S. and Canada evaluated five different dosing arms. According to the company, results from this study support advancing AURN001 into Phase 3 development.
In a significant milestone, Aurion announced the first global commercial launch of this technology in Japan in September 2024. The product, marketed as Vyznova™ (which includes neltependocel), is approved for the treatment of bullous keratopathy of the cornea—a sight-threatening and debilitating condition that causes fluid accumulation in the form of blisters on the cornea, often resulting in severe pain.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The acquisition positions Alcon at the leading edge of biopharma applications in ophthalmology. If successful in clinical development and regulatory approval, AURN001 could become the first FDA-approved corneal cell therapy, representing a paradigm shift in treatment options for patients with corneal endothelial disease.
Corneal endothelial disease affects millions worldwide and is a leading cause of corneal transplantation. The current standard of care typically involves corneal transplantation procedures, which are limited by donor tissue availability and can be associated with complications including graft rejection.
Aurion Biotech has already received recognition for its innovative approach, having been awarded the prestigious Prix Galien award for best start-up in biotech in 2022. The company's mission to "restore vision to millions of patients with life-changing regenerative therapies" aligns with Alcon's broader goal of helping "people see brilliantly."
Strategic Fit for Alcon
For Alcon, the acquisition represents a strategic expansion of its ophthalmic pharmaceutical portfolio. As the global leader in eye care with a 75-year heritage, Alcon's products currently reach more than 260 million people in over 140 countries annually, addressing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors.
The addition of Aurion's cell therapy platform complements Alcon's existing surgical and vision care offerings, potentially opening new avenues for growth in the regenerative medicine space. The company's experience in navigating regulatory pathways and commercializing ophthalmic products globally will be valuable as Aurion works toward bringing AURN001 to market.
With Phase 3 trials set to begin in the second half of 2025, the ophthalmic community will be watching closely to see if this innovative approach can deliver on its promise to transform treatment options for patients with corneal endothelial disease.
