Merck & Co. has continued its long-term commitment to ophthalmology by agreeing to acquire the specialist eye care company Inspire Pharmaceuticals for US$430 M. Merck has commenced a tender offer for all outstanding Inspire common stock at a price of US$5 per share in cash, which represents a 26% premium over Inspire’s closing price prior to the announcement of the acquisition agreement. With the acquisition, Merck will strengthen its ophthalmology portfolio with Inspire’s AzaSite® (azithromycin ophthalmic solution, 1%), a treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, and Elestat® (epinastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.05%), a prescription eye drop for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.