Bayer to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics in bid to lead ophthalmology pipeline

Bayer to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics in bid to lead ophthalmology pipeline

Bayer has agreed to fully acquire Perfuse Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on ischemia-induced ocular diseases, gaining full rights to PER-001 — a small molecule endothelin receptor antagonist currently in Phase 2 development for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The deal carries a total potential value of up to $2.45 billion, structured as a $300 million upfront payment plus development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.

PER-001 is among the first candidates being studied as a disease-modifying treatment for both conditions, with the potential to improve visual fields in glaucoma patients and reduce ischemia and improve contrast sensitivity in those with DR.

Juergen Eckhardt, head of business development and licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, explained the strategic rationale: “We are excited by the work of the team at Perfuse Therapeutics and encouraged by the potential of PER-001. With this acquisition, we are complementing our expertise in ophthalmology and our pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing urgently needed therapies for patients.”

Perfuse founder and CEO Sevgi Gurkan welcomed the outcome for both her team and patients: “I’m incredibly proud of what the Perfuse team has accomplished and deeply thankful to all our investors and collaborators. Bayer’s vision aligns closely with ours, and they have the scale and global resources to unlock the full potential of PER-001 to change the trajectory of human blindness. We are very excited to see our mission continue with even greater momentum.”

the disease burden

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that destroys retinal ganglion cells, steadily eroding visual fields. It is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss globally, affecting an estimated 76–80 million people today and projected to reach 112 million by 2040 as populations age. Crucially, no approved therapies currently exist that slow disease progression independently of lowering intraocular pressure — leaving a significant gap in neuroprotective care.

Diabetic retinopathy, meanwhile, damages retinal capillaries in people with diabetes, triggering ischemia, leakage, and abnormal vessel growth. Around 146 million people are affected worldwide — roughly a quarter of all adults with diabetes — a figure expected to climb to 160 million by 2045. Of those, 25 million already have vision-threatening DR and 1.3 million have lost their sight entirely.

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Related Topics and Keywords

acquisition, Bayer, ophthalmology pipeline, Perfuse Therapeutics