Alcon Secures Control of Aurion Biotech in Strategic Takeover

Alcon has acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage cell therapy company1.

Arnaud Lacoste, former Chief Scientific Officer, has been appointed as the new CEO of Aurion, replacing Greg Kunst2.

Aurion will operate as a separate company with support from Alcon to advance AURN001, its cell therapy for corneal edema, into Phase 3 trials1 4.

The acquisition follows a legal battle between Alcon and Aurion over the latter's plans to go public8.

Aurion's lead product, AURN001, has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for treating corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial disease1 4.

The move is seen as Alcon gaining the upper hand in an ongoing power struggle with Aurion8.

This acquisition is part of Alcon's strategy to expand its ophthalmic pharmaceutical portfolio and enter the cell therapy space1 2.

Aurion has completed a Phase 1/2 clinical study (CLARA trial) of AURN001, with 97 participants across five treatment arms4 6.

The company launched its first commercial product, Vyznova, in Japan in September 2024 for treating bullous keratopathy of the cornea4 6.

Alcon's acquisition of Aurion follows closely after its announcement to acquire LENSAR, highlighting its aggressive expansion in the eye care market4 10.