
Alcon acquires majority interest in Aurion Biotech
Key Takeaways
- Alcon's acquisition of Aurion Biotech enhances its cell therapy capabilities for eye diseases, with Aurion operating independently under Alcon's support.
- Aurion's AURN001, an allogeneic cell therapy for corneal edema, is advancing to phase 3 trials in 2025, having received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation.
Aurion is developing AURN001, a clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy asset, for corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial disease.
Alcon announced it has acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage company developing advanced cell therapies to treat eye diseases.
This announcement comes on the heels of
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 optimize 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 U.S. phase 3 trials later this year.”
Aurion is developing AURN001, a clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy asset, for corneal edema 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.
Aurion completed enrollment and dosing in its phase 1/2 clinical study of AURN001 and
Additionally, Aurion announced the
References:
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
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