Merck Group’s Strategic Acquisition of Eyebio Enhances Ophthalmology Portfolio
$3 billion deal: Merck has announced the acquisition of Eyebio, a cutting-edge biotechnology company specializing in innovative treatments for eye diseases.

Merck has announced the acquisition of Eyebio, a cutting-edge biotechnology company specializing in innovative treatments for eye diseases. This acquisition aligns with Merck's broader vision of expanding its therapeutic offerings and addressing unmet medical needs in the ophthalmic arena.
Eyebio has garnered attention for its groundbreaking research and development in ocular therapies, particularly in areas such as retinal diseases and ocular surface conditions. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates that target prevalent and debilitating eye disorders, positioning Eyebio as a leader in the ophthalmology biotech space.
By acquiring Eyebio, Merck aims to integrate these advanced therapies into its existing portfolio, enhancing its capabilities to deliver novel treatments to patients suffering from vision-threatening conditions. The deal underscores Merck's commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on expanding its specialty care segment.
Eyebio is backed by Kate Bingham, UK venture capitalist who was appointed chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce back in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Bingham and Eyebio CEO, David Guyer, predict that Eyebio’s lead drug (Restoret—currently in early-stage trials) could revolutionise treatment of the world’s primary forms of blindness.
“This agreement reflects the hard work of the talented EyeBio team, led by Dr. Guyer, who through this agreement have placed Restoret on a defined development path to patients” - Kate Bingham.
“As a subsidiary of MSD, EyeBio will be positioned to tap into the resources and infrastructure needed to support the clinical, regulatory and commercial development of these candidates and help bring them to patients worldwide” - Dr. Guyer.
The acquisition is expected to provide a robust boost to Merck's R&D pipeline, bringing in Eyebio's advanced technologies and expertise. This strategic integration aims to leverage Merck's global infrastructure and commercial capabilities, expediting the delivery of Eyebiotech's innovative treatments to the market.
With the deal being valued at up to $3 billion USD, the move is a significant step towards reinforcing Merck's leadership in the ophthalmology field. Industry analysts anticipate that this acquisition will drive substantial growth for Merck, given the increasing demand for effective eye disease treatments in an ageing global population.

Author
BioFocus Newsroom