News in brief from April 15

Alcon and Novartis have completed their merger, with the new Alcon business headquartered at Fort Worth becoming the second largest division of Novartis, offering eye care products across 180 markets. Alcon said that by incorporating CIBA Vision, it now had a comprehensive vision care business, with the widest range of contact lenses and lens care brands. From the second half of 2011 Alcon will operate three businesses surgical, pharmaceutical and vision care each with dedicated sales forces and marketing support. R&D is also a key focus.

Healthcare company Merck has agreed to acquire Inspire Pharmaceuticals, which develops and commercialises ophthalmic products. The deal has been approved by the boards of both companies and has a total cash value of around $430m according to website Vision Monday.