Bayer Strengthens Ophthalmology Pipeline with Perfuse Therapeutics Acquisition
By securing the rights to a Phase II dissolvable implant for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, targeting the underlying vascular causes of vision loss, Bayer is positioning itself at the forefront of long-acting ocular drug delivery.
An acquisition agreement between global life sciences company, Bayer, and biopharmaceutical company, Perfuse Therapeutics, has been announced in a May 6, 2026 press release (1). The agreement will see Bayer fully acquire Perfuse Therapeutics, including the full rights of the biopharma’s investigational lead program, PER-001.
“We are excited by the work of the team at Perfuse Therapeutics and encouraged by the potential of PER-001,” said Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, in the company press release (1). “With this acquisition, we are complementing our expertise in ophthalmology and our pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing urgently needed therapies for patients.”
PER-001 is an investigational small molecule endothelin receptor antagonist that is currently in Phase II clinical development as a treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The therapy, which is administered intravitreally as a slow-release, dissolvable implant every six months, has been designed to address the underlying cause of both glaucoma and DR and has demonstrated positive clinical results in Phase II clinical trials (2).
“I’m incredibly proud of what the Perfuse team has accomplished and deeply thankful to all our investors and collaborators," added Sevgi Gurkan, MD, Founder and CEO of Perfuse Therapeutics, Inc., in the press release about the acquisition (1). “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.”
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, affecting approximately 76–80 million people globally. Currently, there are no approved treatments that prevent glaucoma progression and blindness independently from the saturated approach of lowering intraocular pressure (1). DR is reported to affect approximately 146 million people worldwide and is projected to be an increasing problem in the near future. Given the impact of these diseases globally, development of effective treatments is considered to be of high urgency.
Under the terms of the agreement, the total value of the acquisition has the potential to reach USD 2.45 billion, comprising USD 300 million upfront payment and additional development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments based on success criteria.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearances and Perfuse stockholder approvals. If successful, the addition of PER-001 will complement Bayer’s ophthalmology pharmaceutical pipeline.
References
Bayer Global. Bayer to Acquire Perfuse Therapeutics to Complement Ophthalmology Pipeline. Press Release, May 6, 2024.
Perfuse Therapeutics. Perfuse Therapeutics Announces Positive Results from Phase II Clinical Trials in Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy Patients. Press Release, June 24, 2025.