Shire plc has acquired New York-based Foresight Biotherapeutics Inc. for $300 million in cash, gaining the global rights to FST-100 topical ophthalmic drops in late-stage development for the treatment of infectious conjunctivitis. The acquisition expands Shire’s late-stage ophthalmic pipeline that includes lifitegrast, which is in late-stage development for treatment of dry eye disease. If approved, FST-100 has the potential to become the first agent to treat both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

“With the acquisition of Foresight Biotherapeutics, Shire demonstrates its commitment to eye care while advancing its strategy of addressing high unmet medical need through transformative treatments for rare diseases and specialty medicines,” said Flemming Ornskov, M.D., chief executive officer, Shire. “Ophthalmics is a highly-attractive growth area for Shire and this acquisition allows us to strengthen our presence in this therapeutic area. It is highly synergistic with the planned lifitegrast commercial structure. FST-100 and lifitegrast, if approved, would address two of the leading reasons people seek eye care treatment.”

Michael Weiser, M.D., Ph.D., director, Foresight Biotherapeutics, added: “We’re excited about the potential benefits of FST-100 for patients and the physicians who care for them. In our discussions with experts in the field, we’ve heard their enthusiasm for the possibility of a treatment that could reduce inflammation while killing virus and bacteria without the risk of unnecessary antibiotic use. We’re pleased that Shire has committed to moving this program forward in development, so FST-100 might become an important treatment option for patients with either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.”