Alcon Acquires Neurotech for $550M, Bringing Cell Therapy to Its Retinal Portfolio
On October 20, Alcon announced its acquisition of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, adding ENCELTO and Neurotech’s encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) platform to its retinal portfolio.
Key Highlights
- Deal: $550 million, plus potential milestone-based payments
- Indication: Adults with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel)
- FDA approval: March 2025; first and only FDA-approved treatment for the condition
- Availability: U.S. only, with plans to broaden patient access
ENCELTO is a surgically implanted therapy containing genetically engineered allogeneic retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells continuously release recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF), helping slow photoreceptor loss.
From Approval to Commercial Growth
Neurotech advanced ENCELTO from platform development to FDA approval and U.S. commercialization. Alcon aims to leverage its retinal surgery expertise and global infrastructure to broaden patient access. The acquisition illustrates how established commercial capabilities can support the next stage of growth for cell and gene therapies.
Greenstaff Life Sciences congratulates the teams at Alcon and Neurotech. We continue to help companies secure specialized talent and build the teams and capabilities needed to bring innovative therapies into clinical practice and support business growth.