Aerie Pharmaceuticals is a technology company.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M across 1 funding round.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals's investors include Osage University Partners.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies for eye diseases, particularly open-angle glaucoma and retinal disorders.[1][2][3] Its key products include Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02%), Rocklatan (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution), and pipeline candidates like AR-13503 for diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration.[1][2][4] Aerie serves ophthalmologists and patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, addressing the need for novel intraocular pressure-lowering mechanisms—the first in over 20 years—through once-daily eye drops that demonstrated non-inferiority to timolol in Phase 3 trials.[2] The company was acquired by Alcon in 2024 for approximately $930 million, integrating its commercial products and R&D pipeline into Alcon's ophthalmic portfolio.[4]
Founded in 2005 by David L. Epstein, Casey C. Kopczynski, Thomas J. van Haarlem, and Eric J. Toone, Aerie emerged from Duke University's Office of Technology Commercialization as a clinical-stage biotech focused on innovative eye therapies.[1][2] The idea stemmed from advancing first-in-class treatments for glaucoma, with early momentum from Rhopressa completing its second Phase 3 trial (Rocket 2) in 2015, achieving non-inferiority to timolol across baseline IOP levels.[2] Pivotal moments included NDA resubmission in 2017 and FDA review progress, culminating in commercialization of Rhopressa and Rocklatan before Alcon's acquisition.[2][4]
Aerie rides the wave of ophthalmic innovation, addressing unmet needs in glaucoma (affecting millions globally) and retinal diseases amid aging populations and demand for non-invasive therapies.[1][2] Timing aligns with post-pandemic emphasis on eye care, where novel MOAs fill gaps left by decades-old standards like timolol.[2] Market forces favor it through Alcon's acquisition, leveraging the larger firm's global reach, ECP networks, and prior deals (e.g., Simbrinza, Eysuvis), expanding U.S. and international access.[4] This influences the ecosystem by accelerating pipeline advancement—e.g., AR-15512 for dry eye—bolstering Alcon's pharma dominance and setting precedents for biotech integrations in eye health.[4]
Post-acquisition, Aerie's assets will fuel Alcon's R&D, prioritizing Rocklatan/Rhopressa global expansion and Phase 3 candidates like AR-15512.[4] Trends like personalized ophthalmics, AI-driven trials, and combo therapies will shape progress, potentially unlocking retinal indications via ROCK/PKC inhibitors.[1] Influence evolves through full Alcon integration, driving broader access to sight-saving innovations and reinforcing Aerie's legacy from Duke startup to pharma powerhouse.[2][4]
Aerie Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $41.0M Series B in March 2011.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2011 | $41.0M Series B | Osage University Partners |