Merck continues to divest its ophthalmology products

Mundipharma and Purdue Pharma Canada have acquired marketing rights to Merck’s glaucoma portfolio outside of the United States.

Mundipharma and Purdue will acquire a portfolio of 8 drugs for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Under the terms of this multi-regional agreement, MSD (the operating name for Merck & Co outside the United States) will divest its rights in Australia, Canada, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and New Zealand.

"This transaction completes the divestiture of MSD's global ophthalmology business as we continue to sharpen our focus in core markets and therapeutic areas and advance our innovative pipeline," said Muna Bhanji, president of hospital and specialty care of MSD.

Merck had previously sold its U.S. ophthalmology business to Akorn Pharmaceuticals in 2013. They also sold rights to 9 of their ophthalmology products to Osaka-based Santen Pharmaceutical for marketing in Japan, Europe and Asia Pacific in mid-2014.