Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Purchases Rights to Ophthalmic Drugs From Merck

Represented Japan-based global pharmaceutical company Santen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in its purchase of rights for ophthalmic drugs in Japan, Asia/Pacific and Europe from Merck & Co. for at least $600 million.

Osaka-based Santen will have rights for products including Cosopt and Timoptic eyedrops to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Japan and key markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Merck said in a statement to Bloomberg News. Merck may get additional payments linked to sales milestones in the future.