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Santen Buys Asia, Europe Rights To Merck's Eye Drugs For $600 Million

Santen Pharmaceutical has licensed eye drugs from Merck for $600 million upfront, plus milestone payments and royalties, to market them in the Asia Pacific region and in Europe.

Santen Pharmaceutical has licensed eye drugs from Merck for $600 million upfront, plus milestone payments and royalties, to market them in the Asia Pacific region and in Europe. Merck said the sale was part of its plans to divest its ophthalmic business. The Japan-based buyer said it expects the deal to produce a profit as early as next March. U.S.-based Merck said it would keep marketing rights in Africa, Australia, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East. It sold its U.S. rights to the drugs earlier to Akorn Pharmaceuticals. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required

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