Duke University spin-out Aerie Pharmaceuticals files with the SEC for initial public offering.

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, a life sciences firm specialising in tackling eye diseases, has filed for its initial public offering (IPO) with a fundraising target of $57.5m.

The US-based biotech, founded in 2005, is commercialising research from Duke University into ophthalmic disease. Its main product, a treatment for glaucoma, is currently wrapping up Phase II trials with Phase III imminent.

The spin-out intends to float on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AERI.

Aerie, which is yet to generate revenue, has…