Bayer is set to fully acquire Perfuse Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company pioneering transformational research into the treatment of ischemia-induced ocular diseases.1
With this acquisition, valued at around USD 2.45 billion. Bayer will hold the full rights pertaining to PER-001, a small molecule endothelin receptor antagonist currently in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Endothelin is the most potent vasoconstrictor in the human body and is upregulated in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion. Endothelin is involved in inflammation and cell death through its receptors expressed in retinal vascular and neuroretinal cells.
The PER-001 intravitreal implant developed by Perfuse Therapeutics is a bio-erodible implant administered into the vitreous cavity of the eye using a single-use, 25-gauge applicator and designed to provide a sustained release of PER-001, allowing for a convenient dosing regimen.
It represents one of the first potential treatments for glaucoma and DR being studied for its ability to improve the visual field for glaucoma patients and to improve contrast sensitivity and reduce ischemia in DR patients
It represents one of the first potential treatments for glaucoma and DR being studied for its ability to improve the visual field for glaucoma patients and to improve contrast sensitivity and reduce ischemia in DR patients.
“We are excited by the work of the team at Perfuse Therapeutics and encouraged by the potential of PER-001,” said Dr Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “With this acquisition, we are complementing our expertise in ophthalmology and our pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing urgently needed therapies for patients.”
Dr Sevgi Gurkan, Founder and CEO of Perfuse Therapeutics said Bayer’s “scale and global resources” would “unlock the full potential of PER-001 to change the trajectory of human blindness”.
Reference
- Bayer Global. Bayer to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics to complement ophthalmology pipeline. Available at bayer.com/media/en-us/bayer-to-acquire-perfuse-therapeutics-to-complement-ophthalmology-pipeline. [Accessed May 2026].
