Alcon Acquires Neurotech and ENCELTO, the Only FDA-Approved Treatment for MacTel Type 2
Expands Alcon's retina portfolio with ENCELTO, an encapsulated cell therapy intended for surgical implantation in the eye for patients with MacTel Type 2, a rare retinal disease
Alcon's established presence and expertise in surgical retina is expected to accelerate commercialization and patient access
Broadens Alcon's offering in retinal disease
GENEVA, October 20, 2026--Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced it has acquired Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for chronic and neurodegenerative eye diseases.
This acquisition expands Alcon's retina portfolio with ENCELTO™ (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey), the first and only U.S. FDA-approved treatment for adults with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel), a rare, progressive retinal disease that leads to irreversible central vision loss that has historically had no approved treatment options. ENCELTO is an encapsulated cell therapy that is intended for surgical intravitreal implantation. The FDA granted ENCELTO priority review status and Orphan Drug designation and approved ENCELTO under a Biologics License Application (BLA) in March 2025. It currently is available in the U.S. only.
"Neurotech's innovative platform sits at the intersection of cell therapy, pharmaceuticals, and surgery, making it a highly complementary addition to our current capabilities and advancing our vision for the future of retinal disease treatment," said David Endicott, Chief Executive Officer of Alcon. "By combining Neurotech's groundbreaking science and established commercial footprint with Alcon's global reach and clinical expertise, we can help bring this innovation to more patients whose vision is threatened by MacTel."
It is estimated that there are approximately 25,000 diagnosed MacTel patients in the U.S. with 2,000-3,000 patients newly diagnosed annually.1-3,† Until ENCELTO, there have been no FDA-approved treatments for MacTel patients. ENCELTO continuously releases a protein called recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF) that can directly reach the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. CNTF helps protect certain cells in the retina, supporting their health and reducing the loss of light-sensing cells known as photoreceptors.
"ENCELTO addresses a significant unmet need for MacTel patients," said Dan Miller, MD, PhD, Distinguished Fellow, Research & Development, Alcon. "Alcon's presence in surgical retina combined with its dedication to innovation make them the ideal partner to broaden access to this important therapy."