Global life sciences giant Bayer is making a major bet on the future of blindness treatment, striking a deal to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics Inc. in a transaction worth up to $2.45 billion.

 

The acquisition gives Bayer full rights to PER-001, an experimental therapy now in Phase II clinical trials for Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) — two of the world’s leading causes of vision loss. The drug candidate is drawing attention as one of the first potential treatments designed not just to slow disease progression, but to improve visual function in patients.

 

PER-001, a small molecule endothelin receptor antagonist, is being studied for its ability to improve visual field loss in Glaucoma patients while also improving contrast sensitivity and reducing ischemia in people with DR.

 

“We are excited by the work of the team at Perfuse Therapeutics and encouraged by the potential of PER-001,” said Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. 

 

“With this acquisition, we are complementing our expertise in ophthalmology and our pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing urgently needed therapies for patients.”

 

The deal underscores Bayer’s push to expand its ophthalmology pipeline as demand grows for breakthrough treatments targeting irreversible blindness.

 

“I’m incredibly proud of what the Perfuse team has accomplished and deeply thankful to all our investors and collaborators," said Sevgi Gurkan, MD, Founder and CEO of Perfuse Therapeutics.  

 

"Bayer’s vision aligns closely with ours, and they have the scale and global resources to unlock the full potential of PER-001 to change the trajectory of human blindness. We are very excited to see our mission continue with even greater momentum.”

 

Glaucoma affects an estimated 76–80 million people worldwide and remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness. That figure is expected to surge to 112 million by 2040 as populations age. 

 

Despite decades of research, no approved therapies currently exist that can stop disease progression independently of lowering intraocular pressure — leaving a massive unmet need for neuroprotective treatments.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy presents another escalating global health challenge.

 

Under the agreement, Bayer will pay $300 million upfront, with the remaining value tied to future development, regulatory and commercial milestones.