Look back at pharma news week to August 12

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Editor

Last week, Allergan announced the silver-pearl acquisition of ForSight VISION5, a novel eye care therapy for glaucoma and chronic dry eye disease, noted Jim Cramer and Jack Mohr writing on Real Money.  The transaction falls right in line with the company's explicitly stated focus on targeting "stepping stone" deals that continue to build on leadership positions in the company's core therapeutic areas that will support long-term growth.

More importantly, the strategic need for innovation in glaucoma treatment is clear and sizeable: as of 2010, over 60 million people globally were living with glaucoma (per National Eye Institute), with 80 million estimated by 2020 (given aging population and current demographic trends). Currently, the eye care community, both patients and doctors (Ophthalmologists/Optometrists) alike, have expressed clear unmet need for innovation in eye care solutions that are safe, effective, and easy to apply, said Mr Cramer and Mr Mohr.