Novartis announces takeover of Encore Vision

Novartis has agreed a deal to acquire Encore Vision, an ophthalmology-focused company based in Texas.

Encore Vision is focused on the development of its lead investigational product EV06, a novel treatment for presbyopia. This common age-related loss of near-distance vision can make everyday activities challenging and affects more than 80 percent of adults over the age of 45.

In a phase I/II study, the drug showed a statistically significant difference to placebo in terms of its vision correction capabilities, offering a new hope for a patient group who currently have no means of halting the progression of or reversing their condition.

This acquisition will strengthen Novartis' ophthalmology pipeline, providing a potentially disruptive innovation to patients in a new therapeutic area of high unmet need and prevalence.

Vasant Narasimhan, global head of drug development and chief medical officer at Novartis, said: "The addition of this topical disease-modifying treatment to our portfolio, if successful, will provide affected people with a new option to improve and maintain their vision and quality of life."

Novartis combined its retina medicines division with the Alcon pharmaceuticals business earlier this year, creating a unified ophthalmology franchise under the Novartis Pharmaceuticals name.

With over 20 years of experience within the pharmaceutical market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current pharmaceutical roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.