Consistent with its recent move into ophthalmology and its small biotech acquisition strategy, Shire has agreed to acquire SARcode Bioscience and its lead asset lifitegrast (SAR 1118), a Phase III drug candidate for the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Shire’s Chief Executive Designate Flemming Ornskov, who will take over as the company’s CEO on 30 April 2013, has considerable experience in ophthalmology and the deal is Shire’s second acquisition in this therapy area in the space of 2 weeks, following its purchase of Swedish biotech Premacure.