Eyeworld Supplements

EW_FEB 2016 Sponsored by Shire Ophthalmics

This is a supplement to EyeWorld Magazine.

Issue link: https://supplements.eyeworld.org/i/628503

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 4 of 5

Introducing Shire in Ophthalmics Entrepreneurial energy, extensive experience Entrepreneurial energy, extensive experience When you combine entrepreneurial energy with extensive eye- care experience, you get a biotech company that is able to fuel innovation at a rapid rate. While still very new to the eyecare space, Shire is determined that the name of the company will be synonymous with innovation in areas of high unmet need for ophthalmic conditions. Evidence of this entrepreneurial spirit can be seen in Shire's approach to building an Ophthalmics pipeline, which employs a multi-channel strategy of in-house R&D, creative research partnerships, and strategic acquisitions. In-house R&D While some have recently questioned the value of in-house R&D, Shire has always placed significant value on the output of its internal R&D teams. Much of the focus is on areas of high unmet need which, if successful, may provide value to both eyecare professionals and patients. With almost 20% of the company involved in R&D, Shire has demonstrated company-wide that internal discovery can be a valuable contributor to the pipeline and ultimately the growth of the company. Accordingly, research and de- velopment in ophthalmics will play a key role in the overall strategy. Creative research partnerships Shire has a long history of successful research collaborations, and ophthalmics is no exception. In May 2015, the company announced a new agreement with the Foundation Fighting Blindness focused on furthering research for a novel treatment for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. This agreement is a good example of the creative approaches in early-stage research and development that the company has made in an effort to address unmet need in the ophthalmic rare diseases space. Strategic acquisitions In the last two years, Shire has made four significant acqui- sitions in eyecare: SARCode and Premacure in 2013, Bikam Pharmaceuticals in 2014, and Foresight Biotherapeutics in 2015. A total investment of just over half a billion dollars, the acquisitions are a balance of early- and late-stage molecules, for which Shire can leverage its strong multi-channel strategy in research and development. Thinking differently, making a difference Shire's expertise in rare diseases is a key differentiator. By asking tough questions that are raised by rare diseases and specialty conditions, the company is well-positioned to explore new possibilities through thoughtful and innovative science. Now Shire is bringing that expertise to ophthalmics, a therapeutic category in which there are multiple areas of unmet need in the anterior and posterior segments and in rare ophthalmic diseases. Premacure was acquired in March 2013 2013 SARcode was acquired in April 2013 2014 Shire's Ophthalmics Business Unit was formed in May 2014 BIKAM Pharmaceuticals was acquired in July 2014 2015 Foresight Biotherapeutics was acquired in August 2015 In-house R&D Creative research partnerships Strategic acquisitions Developing an Ophthalmics pipeline I believe our move into ophthalmics signals an important and exciting step for everyone within the eyecare community, and I welcome discussion with those who would seek to help us understand where the areas of greatest unmet need are in this space. I think the tendency is for companies to enter into a disease area and do things the way they've always done them. While Shire can certainly leverage a lot of expertise in developing and bringing drugs to market, we recognize that ophthalmics comes with some unique challenges and expertise. I look forward to engaging with this thoughtful and passionate community in the years to come and to a future filled with innovation in the support of unmet needs in ophthalmics." Flemming Ornskov, MD CEO, Shire " 5

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Eyeworld Supplements - EW_FEB 2016 Sponsored by Shire Ophthalmics