ATLANTA, July 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alimera Sciences, Inc., (Nasdaq:ALIM) (Alimera), a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement (Purchase Agreement) with a group of institutional investors, including both existing and new investors, for a $40 million Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred) financing. Alimera intends to use the net proceeds of this offering to fund the development and commercialization of ILUVIEN® and for the other working capital purposes permitted under the Purchase Agreement. Palo Alto Investors acted as the lead investor in the offering, with Sofinnova Ventures and New Enterprise Associates also participating.