Regenera buys Advanced Ocular Systems

Marblehead, MA-A Western Australia-based drug developer will acquire Advanced Ocular Systems (AOS) in a $31 million all-stock deal.

AOS, which will own 45% of Regenera, is led by Ken Taylor, OD, its president and chief executive officer, and a frequent consultant to ophthalmic companies. Founded in early 2005, AOS develops and commercializes devices to treat refractive disorders such as presbyopia.

The merger creates a new global ophthalmic company with a strong pipeline of refractive and retinal technology and products and emerging revenues from existing licensed products, the companies said. The new company will be based in Marblehead, MA, with research and development and administrative operations in Australia.