On July 12, 2024, Merck, which is known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the completion of its acquisition of Eyebiotech, or EyeBio. As a result, Merck's third-quarter non-GAAP results will include a $1.3 billion charge from this asset purchase. EyeBio, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, includes Restoret (EYE103), an investigational, potentially first-in-class tetravalent, tri-specific antibody that targets the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway. In the Phase 1b/2a AMARONE study for diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD), Restoret has demonstrated positive results. It is scheduled to participate in a pivotal Phase 2b/3 trial in late 2024.
Merck's acquisition of EyeBio enhances its late-stage pipeline with innovative treatments for retinal diseases. Restoret, administered via intravitreal injection, aims to address unmet medical needs by reducing vascular leakage through Wnt pathway agonism, potentially restoring the blood-retinal barrier. This acquisition aligns with Merck’s commitment to leading-edge scientific advancements to improve global health. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, Merck continues to prioritize research-intensive initiatives, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce dedicated to sustainable and innovative healthcare solutions.
