Tarsus Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Alkeus Pharmaceuticals to Expand Retina Pipeline
The acquisition adds a Phase 3 clinical program for Stargardt disease as Tarsus seeks to increase its presence in the high-growth retina specialty.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TARS) agreed to acquire Alkeus Pharmaceuticals in a deal intended to broaden its clinical footprint in retina care.
While the specific financial terms and structure of the agreement were not disclosed, the acquisition is designed to expand Tarsus’ retina pipeline through the addition of a Phase 3 clinical program for Stargardt disease. The move further extends its presence in retina, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing specialties in eye care.
“Together with today’s announcement of our agreement to acquire Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, we are building what we believe is one of the most compelling late-stage pipelines, with multiple opportunities to improve patient care and create long-term value,” Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Tarsus, said in a statement.
Tarsus has focused its strategy on "category creation" within eye care, led by its FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis, XDEMVY. The company is currently advancing other programs, including TP-04 for ocular rosacea and TP-05 for the prevention of Lyme disease.
iRenix Medical is a comparable deal in the sector.
Tarsus has previously reported significant commercial momentum for XDEMVY, with full-year 2025 net product sales reaching $451.4 million. XDEMVY has a potential peak sales value exceeding $2 billion.