Novartis has announced that it has acquired Kedalion Therapeutics and its AcuStream™ technology, an innovative device that may have the potential to facilitate precise dosing and accurate delivery of certain topical ophthalmic medications to the eye. The acquisition enhances the Novartis ophthalmics portfolio, advancing efforts to investigate transformative ophthalmic methods to address unmet patient needs in front-of-eye conditions.
“The acquisition of Kedalion Therapeutics delivers on our commitment to reimagine medicine by potentially enhancing the delivery and patient experience with our medicines,” said Jill Hopkins, SVP and Global Development Unit Head, Ophthalmology, Novartis. “We look forward to exploring how AcuStream can advance our approved and investigational front-of-eye therapies and optimize outcomes for patients.”
The AcuStream platform is a preservative-free, electromechanical topical ocular delivery device that may facilitate precise dosing and accurate delivery, potentially helping patients’ experience.
Presently, Novartis intends to develop the AcuStream technology for potential use with its existing and future front-of-eye therapies, which could include Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, a first-in-class prescription LFA 1 antagonist for the treatment of dry eye disease.
Kedalion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage, venture-funded ophthalmic drug company based in Menlo Park, California. In November 2021, Kedalion Therapeutics announced the completion of its Series B financing led by Novartis, which included an exclusive option to acquire the company and its AcuStream technology.
Read the full press release from Novartis.