51�Թ�

In addition, Shire is awaiting word whether the FDA will approve dry-eye treatment lifitegrast, which came in the deal for SARcode Bioscience and which analysts say could top $1 billion in yearly sales.

To reorganize the company into “One Shire,” Dr. Ornskov sold a unit based in San Diego and began making plans to centralize the company’s U.S. operations in Lexington, Mass. And he had begun signing deals: By early 2014, Shire had acquired two biotechs, SARcode Bioscience and ViroPharma, for a total of more than $4.3 billion.

Shire obtained lifitegrast after buying U.S. biotech firm SARcode Bioscience for $160 million upfront in March - plus undisclosed payments upon achievement of certain drug development and commercial milestones - marking a sizeable bet on the ophthalmology space by the group.

In addition to the upfront payment of $160 million, shareholders in California-based SARcode will be eligible for additional undisclosed payments upon achievement of certain drug development and commercial milestones.

Shire said on Monday it aimed to launch SARcode's new eye drug Lifitegrast in the United States as early as 2016, if Phase III clinical studies pan out as hoped.