January 19, 2010 (FinancialWire) — Swiss eyecare firm Alcon (NYSE: ACL) said it will purchase the rights in the United States for two FDA-approved topical eye care products from Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.

The two products purchased are Durezol, a marketed ophthalmic corticosteroid approved for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with eye surgery, and Zirgan, a recently approved antiviral for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (corneal ulcers).

In addition to these marketed products, Alcon also acquired the global rights, excluding Latin America, for Zyclorin. This product is currently in clinical development to treat dry eye and other ocular surface diseases.

According to Alcon CEO Kevin Buehler, “The acquisition of these products from Sirion is part of our business development strategy to gain access to late-stage or approved products that will incrementally add to sales in the near-term, while also building our long-term pipeline.” said Kevin Buehler, Alcon’s president and chief executive officer.

He added that, upon closing, the deal will allow Alcon to capitalize on the U.S. registration approval for Durezol and Zirgan with the existing commercial capability in the United States “to maximize the brand development and revenue opportunities.”

Alcon researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets.

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