Alcon acquires majority interest in cell therapy company Aurion Biotech, provides operational updates

Image credit: ©Mojahid Mottakin – stock.adobe.com

Alcon announced it has acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage company developing advanced cell therapies to treat eye diseases. The announcement comes on the heels of recent news that Alcon intends to acquire LENSAR, which is anticipated to close in mid-to-late 2025.

According to a press release from Alcon, Aurion will operate as a separate company with “full support,” including “broader R&D, regulatory, medical ophthalmic, and commercial capabilities” the company has at its disposal.

The Aurion board has appointed Arnaud Lacoste, PhD, formerly chief scientific officer, to the role of CEO of Aurion. In a press release, Lacoste commented on the purchase.

“As the global leader in eye care, Alcon will help Aurion optimise the development of AURN001,” said Lacoste. “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. 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 US phase 3 trials later this year.”

Aurion is developing AURN001, a clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy asset, for corneal oedema secondary to corneal endothelial disease. It is a combination cell therapy product candidate comprised of allogeneic human corneal endothelial cells (neltependocel) and a rho kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). It is expected to move into phase 3 trials in the second half of 2025. AURN001 received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2024.

Aurion completed enrollment and dosing in its phase 1/2 clinical study of AURN001 and reported topline results at the end of 2024. A total of 97 participants were randomised across 5 treatment arms, and the data will support the advancement of AURN001 into phase 3 development, according to the company.

In September 2024, Aurion announced the first commercial launch of Vyznova in Japan, which contains neltependocel, for the treatment of bullous keratopathy of the cornea.

References:

1. Alcon acquires majority interest in Aurion Biotech, Inc. to advance innovative cell therapy for corneal endothelial disease. Published March 26, 2025. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326223440/en/Alcon-Acquires-Majority-Interest-in-Aurion-Biotech-Inc.-to-Advance-Innovative-Cell-Therapy-for-Corneal-Endothelial-Disease