Théa to acquire branded products from Akorn

Laboratoires Théa SAS has announced an agreement to purchase seven branded ophthalmic products from Akorn Operating Company LLC.

According to the company, the transaction will make Théa a provider of products designed to fill the needs of eye-care professionals across the United States.

The purchase will add seven established brands to Théa’s portfolio, including Zioptan, AccelFX, Betimol, Cosopt, Cosopt PF, AzaSite, and Akten.

Moreover, Théa will also welcome Akorn’s nearly 50-person sales force, which Théa expects to expand in support of anticipated growth and launches of additional products in the U.S.

“The significance of this milestone purchase can be felt across our entire organization, which has been operating for 28 years and is a driving force for treatment in eye care with products available in 75 countries,” Théa President Jean-Frédéric Chibret said in a statement. “As a fifth-generation member of a family that has spent more than 150 years dedicated to eye care, I’m always excited to extend Théa’s unique expertise and passion into new markets, where our goal is to improve patient quality of life by providing innovative offerings across a full range of therapeutic areas, including glaucoma, dry eye, allergy and inflammation.”

According to a company news release, it is committed to developing products for the U.S. market in areas of unmet need, and expects to file its first New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA in the first quarter of 2022 for a version of the glaucoma treatment latanoprost.

At the end of the first quarter of 2022, the company said it also plans to launch a new line of branded OTC evidenced-based dry-eye drops and eyelid hygiene products through its partnership with Similasan Corp. Similasan is a leading global maker of eye drops with natural active ingredients and offers around 40 homeopathic remedies in the U.S.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the U.S. eye care community with a portfolio of products that are widely recognized and frequently used because they make a difference in patients’ lives,” Susan Benton, Théa’s General Manager, Head of U.S., said in a statement. “As we introduce additional product lines and bring new innovations to market through our dedicated research and development programs, we are looking forward to engaging with stakeholders to expand our leadership presence on a global scale.”

The transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary closing conditions, according to the company.

The release also noted that Perella Weinberg Partners are acting as financial advisers, and Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP is acting as legal adviser to Théa.