Tarsus完成收购Alkeus，取得Stargardt病Phase 3项目ALK-001全球权益

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TARS), an eye care-focused biopharmaceutical company, on Friday announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of privately held Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., expanding its pipeline with the late-stage investigational medicine gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001).
The acquisition gives Tarsus worldwide rights to ALK-001, an investigational oral therapy designed to target the underlying biology of Stargardt disease by reducing the accumulation of toxic vitamin A dimers while preserving the normal visual cycle.
ALK-001 is currently being evaluated in the global NORTHSTAR Phase 3 trial, with topline data expected in 2029.
The program is being developed for Stargardt disease, a potentially blinding inherited retinal disorder for which there are currently no FDA-approved therapies.
Gildeuretinol acetate is a once-daily oral small molecule targeting toxic vitamin A dimerization in the retina.
The company said the investigational therapy has demonstrated a promising tolerability and efficacy profile across more than 400 individuals studied.
ALK-001 has received Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug, Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Stargardt disease.
Stargardt disease is a rare, inherited and progressive retinal disease that often begins during childhood or early adulthood.
It affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision, and can progressively impair reading, face recognition, driving and independent living.
The disease is estimated to affect as many as 86,000 people in the U.S., including more than 36,000 clinically diagnosed patients, according to Tarsus.
Tarsus said the acquisition strengthens its pipeline and supports its strategy of building a leading eye care company.
The company will now focus on advancing the NORTHSTAR Phase 3 program and further developing ALK-001.
The acquisition, initially announced on August 6, 2026, closed after satisfaction of the customary closing conditions under the definitive merger agreement.
Tarsus' commercial portfolio includes XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25%, which is FDA approved in the U.S. for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Its pipeline also includes Phase 2 programs TP-04 for ocular rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme disease prevention, as well as IRX-101 and gildeuretinol for Stargardt disease.
TARS shares have traded between $48.20 and $85.25 over the last year.
On Thursday, TARS closed at $83.21, up 0.54%. In the premarket trading, the stock is trading up 0.28% at $83.44.
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