Sirion recently announced the commercial availability of Durezol, the topical ophthalmic corticosteroid that gained FDA regulatory approval early in the summer. The company also announced results from two Phase IIIb clinical trials that evaluated Durezol versus placebo in the management of postoperative inflammation. In separate studies in which patients were dosed four times daily and twice daily, a significantly greater percentage of patients achieved a clinical response (< or = to 5 anterior chamber cells and no flare) with Durezol. Also, a statistically significant number of Durezol patients experienced pain reduction, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results of another preliminary study compared Durezol (dosed four times daily) to Pred Forte 1 percent (dosed eight times daily) in the treatment of patients with anterior uveitis. Both medications showed comparable reductions in anterior chamber inflammation at day 14. Durezol also demonstrated significant reduction in pain, blurred vision, photophobia and tearing with total symptom score of 76 percent vs. 71 percent for Pred Forte. The reduced number of daily doses with Durezol may serve to significantly improve compliance rates. Two patients from both groups experienced a significant rise in IOP.
Akorn received FDA regulatory approval for Akten Ophthalmic Gel 3.5 percent (35 mg per ml), a novel, preservative-free unit dose lidocaine gel product that can be stored at room temperature. It is intended for use for any ocular procedure that requires an anesthetic agent, including cataract surgery, LASIK procedures and intravitreal injections. Onset of anesthesia occurs between 20 seconds and 5 minutes (mean of 40 seconds) and lasts from 5 to 30 minutes (mean duration of 15 minutes).
Akten’s target market involves the approximately 11 million ocular procedures done annually in the United States. The use of an anesthetic in a unit dose vial shows promise in reducing the omnipresent risk of ocular infection occurring when topical anesthetic is administered from a multi-dose vial.
Hi-Tech Pharmacal, a specialty pharmaceutical company, has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for dorzolamide with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution, a generic version of Merck’s Cosopt. Hi-Tech Pharmacal has stated that they expect to launch the product after Merck’s pediatric exclusivity expires on October 28, 2008. Cosopt had sales of $334 million in 2007, according to the IMS report.
Origenis, a privately-owned biotech firm based in Munich, announced that it has expanded its drug discovery research alliance with Alcon to develop small molecule ophthalmic drugs. Origenis, which employs a proprietary discovery platform for small molecules called the MOREsystem, will retain rights to non-ophthalmic and non-nasal applications for drugs developed under the agreement; Alcon will retain rights for ophthalmic and nasal applications of those drugs.
Ellex has appointed the company’s third chief executive officer since June. Simon Luscombe replaced Kevin McGuinness who replaced Peter Falzon this past June. Luscombe has headed Ellex’ Australian division since 2005. A company restructuring is being planned and more details are to be announced at the annual meeting in late November. The laser maker moved to a direct sales model in the US earlier this year.
Click to read November 2008 Drug News and Other News Briefs»
Posted by katiec on Monday 3 November, 2008 02:38 PM
This year’s ESCRS meeting in Berlin featured the launch of a number of key cataract and refractive products destined primarily for European markets. New business partnering arrangements were announced as well, amid dozens of paper sessions, symposia, instruction courses and satellite sessions
Click to read Key Products Launched at the ESCRS Meeting» Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
The FDA has granted US regulatory approval to Bausch & Lomb’s Akreos AO60 IOL, the hydrophilic acrylic IOL that is already a popular IOL option in Europe and other parts of the world.
Click to read Bausch & Lomb’s Akreos Receives FDA Approval »
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
The meeting of the International Presbyopia Society shed new light on accommodation, the natural lens and new technologies for addressing presbyopia.
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
New data on astigmatic populations and improvements in astigmatism-correcting techniques and technologies promise growth in surgical correction for astigmatic cataract patients.
Click to read Continued Growth Expected in the Surgical Treatment of Astigmatic Cataract Patients»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
Hoya gains FDA market clearance for its iSpheric YA60BB IOL model.
Click to read Hoya Receives US FDA Regulatory Approval for the iSpheric IOL»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index fell 7.0 percent in September 2008, roughly in line with the Dow Jones Average, which declined 6.0 percent, and the NASDAQ, which declined 12.0 percent during the same period. Any performance issues among Eye Index stocks was dwarfed by investor concerns related to a US credit crisis that has led to several banking and financial failures and introduced significant uncertainty into global stock markets. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has declined 2.8 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 22.1 percent and the decline of 27.2 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read October 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
This month's news includes the latest from inspire Pharmaceuticals, Merck, SurModics, Ellex, M+C GmbH, Alcon and LCA Vision.
Click to read October 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 6 October, 2008 07:19 PM
IOL procedure volume grew 3.2 percent in Q2-2008 when compared with the same quarter last year. Refractive lens exchange procedures grew at a much more robust rate, buoyed by the increasing popularity of presbyopia-correcting IOLs, and phakic IOL procedures also grew briskly.
Click to read Q2-2008 Intraocular Lens Procedures Up »
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 5 September, 2008 08:55 PM
In Q2-2008, economic conditions and consumer confidence remained weak, driving refractive volumes down 24.5 percent from Q2-2007 totals. The softening of demand is expected to accelerate through the rest of 2008.
Click to read The Troubled Economy Continues to Depress»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 5 September, 2008 08:24 PM
A recently published analysis of refractive errors indicates that the prevalence of myopia may be increasing.
Click to read Is the Prevalence of Myopia on the Rise?»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 5 September, 2008 08:13 PM
The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) will hold its information-packed congress in Berlin, Germany, this month.
Click to read ESCRS Meeting Promises Information-Packed Sessions and Exhibits»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 5 September, 2008 08:06 PM
Market Scope forecasts annualized growth of 5.4 percent for the global single-use ophthalmic surgical products market. Our new report on this market has just been released.
Click to read 5.4 Percent Growth Forecast for Single-Use Ophthalmic Surgical Products»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 5 September, 2008 07:45 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index climbed 2.3 percent in August 2008, fairing better than the Dow Jones Average, which rose 1.5 percent, and the NASDAQ, which was up 1.8 percent, during the same period. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has grown 8.8 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 16.9 percent and the decline of 12.4 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read September 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 5 September, 2008 07:33 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Genentech, Alcon, AMA Optics, and Alimera Sciences.
Click to read September 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 5 September, 2008 07:28 PM
In the US, femtosecond has arguably become the standard-of-care technology for the creation of the LASIK flap. Now the technology is giving rise to a wealth of new techniques and applications.
Click to read Femtosecond Lasers Changing Ophthalmic Surgery»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
Since 2005, the number of presbyopia-correcting IOLs implanted throughout the world has tripled. Based on current trends, Market Scope forecasts that the number of PC-IOL implants will triple again by 2013.
Click to read Global Demand for Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs Grows»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
Market Scope’s recently-released 2008 Comprehensive Report on the Global Cataract Equipment Market forecasts global growth in the market at a compounded annual rate of 6.4 percent over the next five years.
Click to read Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Expected to Reach $1.15 Billion by 2013»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
To date, eight ophthalmic devices and therapeutics have gained FDA regulatory approval this year. A multiplicity of new ophthalmic treatments and technologies are also under study in FDA clinical trials. The retinal pharma pipeline is particularly full.
Click to read Regulatory Update»
Posted by All on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index soared 4.9 percent in July 2008, fairing significantly better than major stock indices. The Dow Jones Average rose 0.2 percent and the NASDAQ index climbed 1.4 percent over the same period. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has grown 0.4 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 14.8 percent and the decline of 10.4 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read August 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Alcon, Staar Surgical, the AAO, as well as the latest news regarding the procedure cuts for Medicare physician payments.
Click to read August 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 8 August, 2008 02:37 PM
This year’s World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) in Hong Kong was a study in contrasts—especially between advanced medical technology and tackling blindness in a needy world.
Click to read The World Ophthalmic Congress: Modern Medicine Meets a Needy World»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
The US Senate failed to stall the July 1st cut in Medicare payments to physicians. And the clock is ticking on a last ditch effort on a retroactive fix.
Click to read Senate Fails to Stall Scheduled Cut in Medicare Physician Payments»
Posted by dthomas on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
In the 2008 Comprehensive Report on the Global IOL Market, Market Scope forecasts that global access to PC-IOLs and other advanced IOL technologies will drive IOL revenue growth at quickened clip over the next five years.
Click to read 2008 IOL Market to Approach $2.0 Billion»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
Anecortave acetate, originally Alcon’s investigative AMD treatment Retaane, is now in clinical studies as a glaucoma treatment.
Click to read Alcon Studies Anecortave Acetate’s Use as a Glaucoma Treatment »
Posted by gmeltzer on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
Market Scope expects sales of dry eye medications to grow at double-digit rates during the next five years, according to the 2008 Comprehensive Report on the Global Dry Eye Products Market.
Click to read Demographic Changes & Growing Affluence Spur Dry Eye Market to Soar»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
A US Senate committee has received information from the FDA contradicting Genentech statements on lots of Avastin removed from the market last year.
Click to read FDA Communications Contradict Genentech’s Statements on Avastin »
Posted by dthomas on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 1.9 percent in June 2008, fairing significantly better than major stock indices. The Dow Jones Average declined 10.2 percent and the NASDAQ index declined 9.1 percent over the same period. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has grown 1.4 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 14.1 percent and the decline of 9.9 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read July 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Bausch & Lomb, Sirion Therapeutics, Allergan, and Alcon, as well as FDA regulatory news.
Click to read July 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 9 July, 2008 07:02 PM
Refractive procedure volume was weighed down by poor consumer confidence and troubled economic conditions in the US during the year’s first quarter. Demand is expected to slip further in Q2-2008.
Click to read Economic Conditions Continue to Drag on Q1-2008 Refractive Volumes»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
The worsening economy had little effect on cataract surgery volume during Q1-2008. Indeed, PC-IOLs continued their strong growth, with demand up 50 percent over Q1-2007 totals.
Click to read Q1-2008 Intraocular Lens Procedures Up 3.4 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
Attendance broke records at this year’s ARVO meeting in Fort Lauderdale. We review highlights in this issue with a focus on retinal treatments.
Click to read Current and Future Retinal Treatments Generated Much Interest at ARVO Meeting»
Posted by dthomas on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
The retina was not the only topic at ARVO. Sessions included many other areas of reasearch in vision and ocular disease. Here are only two brief highlights.
Click to read Other ARVO Topics»
Posted by dthomas on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
The FDA Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee agreed to recommend difluprednate, Sirion Therapeutics’ ophthalmic corticosteroid emulsion, for FDA regulatory approval.
Click to read Sirion’s Difluprednate Emulsion Moves Closer to Market Launch»
Posted by gmeltzer on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 0.6 percent in May 2008, roughly in line with the broader market. The Dow Jones Average declined 1.4 percent and the NASDAQ index rose 4.4 percent over the same period. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has grown 3.7 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 5.7 percent and the decline of 3.1 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read June 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
This month's news includes the latest from AMO, Occulogix, and Bausch & Lomb, as well as FDA regulatory news.
Click to read June 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 6 June, 2008 08:46 PM
Attendance broke records at this year’s meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) in Chicago. After our overview of the meeting here, we'll review the meeting’s highlights in three separate posts.
Click to read ASCRS Attendance Breaks Record»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Tuesday 13 May, 2008 03:20 PM
Novartis has acquired Nestle’s 25 percent stake in Alcon in a deal that Novartis says will enhance and balance its pharmaceutical business.
Click to read Novartis Acquires 25 Percent of Alcon»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
The ASCRS meeting featured much information on cataract procedures, IOLs and phacoemulsification. Topics Included addressing presbyopia with IOLs, multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs, toric IOLs and LRI, IOLs with aspheric optics, IOLs with blue-light and violet-light filtering and phaco systems.
Click to read ASCRS - IOLs and Phaco»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
This month's news includes the latest from QLT, Occulogix, and Bausch & Lomb, as well as a story on an important advance in gene therapy.
Click to read May 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index grew 5.6 percent in April 2008, roughly in line with the broader market. The Dow Jones Average rose 4.2 percent and the NASDAQ index rose 5.9 percent over the same period. In the past 12 months, the Eye Index has grown 0.7 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 5.9 percent and the decline of 7.2 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read May 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
FDA Ophthalmic Device Panel meets, hearing stories of LASIK complications and weighing complaints about the procedure.
Click to read FDA Panel Reviews LASIK»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
Refractive surgery was in the spotlight at the ASCRS meeting with debates about the merits of surface ablation, strong interest in femtosecond lasers, and new excimer laser equipment, software and treatments. Information on coreal inlays was limited. The dry eye session explored dry eye problems and treatments.
Click to read ASCRS - Refractive Surgery and Dry Eye»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
The ASCRS meeting included a number of sessions on both anti-inflammatories and anti-infectives used in conjunction with IOL surgery. Several sessions also addressed the ocular impacts of some non-ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.
Click to read ASCRS - NSAIDs and Anti-Infectives for IOL Surgery»
Posted by dthomas on Wednesday 7 May, 2008 03:20 PM
The FDA held a meeting of its (OPD) Ophthalmic Device Panel on April 25, 2008 at the Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg, Maryland at the Holiday Inn to review the experience of LASIK patients and petitions by patients with LASIK complications. Approximately 150 were in attendance at the LASIK portion of the meeting concerning LASIK including representatives of the media, ophthalmologists, manufacturers and a contingent of post-LASIK patients. Following the session a much briefer review of phakic IOLs was conducted; however, no phakic IOL patients were in attendance and the session was significantly shorter with very limited attendance other than the FDA and OPD members.
Click to read FDA Panel Reviews LASIK»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 30 April, 2008 12:15 PM
We preview the ASCRS meeting in this issue of our newsletter. We offer three sections of coverage: Cataract Surgery and IOLs; Medications and IOL Procedures; and Refractive Surgery. Full coverage will appear next month.
Click to read ASCRS Meeting in Chicago Expected to Draw Record Crowd»
Posted by dthomas on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
We preview sessions on multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs, IOLs with aspheric optics, IOLs that filter blue and violet light, toric IOLs phakic IOLs and phaco techniques and equipment.
Click to read ASCRS Meeting: Cataract Surgery and IOL Sessions»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
We preview sessions on NSAIDs used in association with IOL procedures and anti-infectives used to prevent endophthalmitis.
Click to read ASCRS Meeting: Sessions on Medications and IOL Procedures»
Posted by dthomas on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
We preview sessions on femtosecond lasers, corneal inlays, refractive lasers and a new dry eye product.
Click to read ASCRS Meeting: Refractive Surgery Sessions»
Posted by dharmon1 on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
The American Glaucoma Society met in March in Washington DC. Imaging, implants, genetics and risk factors were on the agenda, as well as a wide ranging discussion of the issues challenging the delivery of quality health care today.
Posted by gmeltzer on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
Growth in Europe’s market for cataract surgical products will be driven by the aging of the population and higher expectations for vision. The shift to disposable machine packs and single-use surgical products during the past eight years has significantly buoyed revenues. Market Scope’s new report on this market is now available.
Click to read Growth Rate of 6 Percent Forecast for Cataract Surgical Products in Europe»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 2.3 percent in March 2008, underperforming the turbulent broader market. The Dow Jones Average rose 0.6 percent and the NASDAQ index rose 0.4 percent over the same period.
Click to read April 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
This month's news includes the latest from Alcon, Carl Zeiss, Staar Surgical, the FDA Ophthalmic Device Panel, Occulogix, and Santen.
Click to read April 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Tuesday 1 April, 2008 11:34 AM
Overall, Q4-2007 IOL procedure volume kept pace with increases in the senior population, but PC-IOL demand jumped nearly 30 percent over demand in the fourth quarter of last year. Premium monofocal IOLs may be the hidden story; demand for these lenses has been driving up the average price for monofocal IOLs.
Click to read Q4-2007 Intraocular Lens Procedures Up 3.2 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
As global economic conditions have taken a worrying downturn during the past several months, consumer confidence has fallen and forecasts for LVC (laser vision correction) demand have dropped significantly.
Click to read Global Economic Malaise Reduces LVC Demand»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
NeoVista has a radiation therapy for wet AMD currently in clinical trials. When used with anti-VEGFs, the combo therapy may boost the duration of anti-VEGF action, reduce injection frequency and cut cost—all without sacrificing efficacy.
Click to read New NeoVista Retinal Therapy May Offer Advantages Over Anti-VEGF Alone»
Posted by Larry Haimovitch on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
Demographics, technological innovation, and rising vision expectations will drive a rapidly developing surgical market for presbyopia treatment over the next five years.
Click to read Surgical Correction of Presbyopia: The New Frontier in Refractive Surgery»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 0.8 percent in February 2008, performing slightly better than the turbulent broader market. The Dow Jones Average declined 3.4 percent and the NASDAQ index declined 5.2 percent over the same period. Over the past 12 months, the Eye Index has climbed 3.4 percent, outperforming the decrease in the Dow Jones Average of 1.0 percent and the decline of 6.2 percent in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read March 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
The news this month includes the latest developments concerning the CATT trial from the National Institutes of Health and a new task force formed by the ASCRS, AAO, FDA and NEI. News from AMO, Bausch & Lomb and Calhoun Vision is also included.
Click to read March 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 March, 2008 02:07 PM
A troubled US economy depressed refractive procedure volumes in the fourth quarter of 2007. Weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty are expected to further reduce demand for refractive surgery during 2008.
Click to read Economic Conditions Weigh Heavily on Q4-2007 Refractive Volumes»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
Confirming rumors that have been circulating for several months, Bausch & Lomb announced the acquisition of Eyeonics, maker of the CrystaLens, the only accommodating presbyopia-correcting IOL currently available in the US.
Click to read Bausch & Lomb Announces Acquisition of Eyeonics»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
The future of accommodating IOLs looks bright as a number of promising development projects progress. But is all the optimism justified?
Click to read Accommodating IOLs: Are High Expectations Justified?»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
A new non-invasive intrastromal laser-based presbyopia treatment from 20/10 Perfect Vision is offering promising early results.
Click to read Promising Intrastromal Treatment for Presbyopia Uses FEMTEC Laser»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
Last month’s annual Hawaiian Eye Meeting drew a crowd with dual programs on comprehensive ophthalmology and the retina. The meeting included early results with the new ReStor Aspheric, CrystaLens HD and Lenstec Tetraflex accommodating IOLs.
Click to read Hawaiian Eye Meeting Draws a Crowd»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index rose 1.5 percent in January 2008, performing slightly better than the turbulent broader market. The Dow Jones Average declined 4.6 percent and the NASDAQ index declined 9.6 percent over the same period.
Click to read February 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Bausch & Lomb, CrystalGenomics, LCA-Vision, TLC, QLT, Lumenis, and Alcon.
Click to read February 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 20 February, 2008 03:16 PM
Premium-priced IOLs—PC-IOLs, as well as toric, aspheric, blue-light blocking and micro-incision models—spurred much of the revenue growth in the 2007 IOL industry.
Click to read Premium IOLs Drive 2007 IOL Industry Growth»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
Increased global demand for laser refractive surgery—particularly in China and India—and a shift to premium-priced procedures helped offset the somewhat lackluster refractive industry performance in wealthier nations during 2007.
Click to read 2007 Refractive Highlights»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
Diagnostic equipment grows in importance for retinal, cataract and refractive surgeons in 2007.
Click to read Surgeons’ Reliance on Diagnostic Devices Grows»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
Fourteen ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and devices gained US FDA regulatory approval during 2007. In our regulatory update, we discuss the year’s approvals and the busy FDA clinical trial pipeline of treatments and technologies.
Click to read 2007 Regulatory Update»
Posted by dthomas on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index rose 0.6 percent in December 2007, performing slightly better than broader market indices. The Dow Jones Average declined 0.8 percent and the NASDAQ index declined 0.3 percent over the same period.
Click to read January 2008 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
Click to read Genentech, AAO and ASRS Reach Agreement Regarding Access to Avastin»
Posted by dthomas on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at OccuLogix, Staar Surgical, Refractec, and AMO.
Click to read January 2008 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 January, 2008 07:53 AM
In Q3-2007, US IOL procedure volume was up 3.3 percent over the previous year’s third quarter volume, while RLE and phakic IOL implants grew at rates of 12 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively.
Click to read Q3-2007 Intraocular Lens Procedures Up 3.3 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
Attendance was down at this year’s AAO meeting in New Orleans. But the yin and yang of Genentech—Lucentis and Avastin, or perhaps success and controversy—took the spotlight and shaped much of the subtext of the meeting. Nonetheless, important developments occurred in the cataract and refractive subspecialty areas, as well.
Click to read AAO Attendance Down 21 Percent»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
We’ve identified ten key trends at last month’s AAO meeting.
Click to read Ten Top Trends at the AAO:»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
Refractive surgical techniques were common topics at the 2007. Areas of emphasis included surface ablation, femtosecond lasers, excimer lasers, corneal inlays, and other presbyopia surgical techniques. Also of interest was a paper on laser surgical malpractice claims, a new laser based treatment technique for retinal disease from Ellex, and a new anti-infective drug from Santen.
Click to read AAO Refractive Highlights»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
Lens replacement surgery including cataract and refractive procedures were a hot topics at this years’ meeting including: PC-IOLs, accommodating IOLs, toric IOLs, aspheric IOLs, phakic IOLs, refractive lens exchange, micro-incision cataract surgery, phacoemulsification and diagnostic equipment.
Click to read Update on IOLs, Phaco and Diagnostic Equipment at the AAO»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
Retinal pharmaceuticals were popular topics at the AAO with most of the attention focused on Lucentis and Avastin including successes; controversies; the rift over restriction of Avastin, risks of intravitreal injections; combination therapies; topical therapies for neovascular retinal conditions; potential limitations of anti-VEGF therapy; future retinal pharmaceuticals; and the keynote speech on angiogenesis: how far we’ve come.
Click to read AAO Highlights on Retinal Pharmaceuticals and Issues»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 4.6 percent in November 2007, roughly in line with declines in broader market indices. The Dow Jones Average fell 4.0 percent and the NASDAQ index declined 6.9 percent over the same period.
Click to read December 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
Click to read December 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 10 December, 2007 08:43 AM
The number of US refractive procedures in Q3-2007 changed minimally over last year’s third quarter totals. Credit concerns, rising oil prices and fires in California dampened demand and constrained growth.
Click to read Little Change in Q3-2007 Refractive Volume»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 5 November, 2007 08:03 AM
Presbyopia-correcting technologies, AMD drug therapies, and new uses for diagnostic equipment will be among the highlighted topics at the annual AAO meeting that begins November 9. Other topics include: surface ablastion, femtosecond lasers, customized profiles, corneal ectasia, multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs, astigmatism, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, phaco techniques and phakic IOLs.
Click to read AAO Meeting Reviews Newest Surgical Techniques & Technologies»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Monday 5 November, 2007 08:03 AM
Genentech announced plans to stop direct distribution of Avastin to compounding pharmacies, a move that threatens to limit access to off-label AMD applications for this cancer drug. But after an outcry from ophthalmologists, the company is re-examining the issue and has postponed the date of any change in distribution.
Click to read Genentech Postpones Halt on the Sale of Avastin to Compounding Pharmacies»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 5 November, 2007 08:03 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index climbed 3.9 percent in October 2007, surpassing the 0.2 percent change in the Dow Jones Average but underperforming the 5.8 percent change in the NASDAQ index.
Click to read November 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Monday 5 November, 2007 08:03 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Bausch & Lomb,Alcon, WaveLight, Staar Surgical, TLC Vision and OccuLogix.
Click to read November 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 5 November, 2007 08:03 AM
Last month’s ESCRS meeting in Stockholm drew diverse crowds to presentations on: PC-IOLs, IOLs with aspheric IOLs, micro-incision IOLs, phaco machines and femtosecond lasers, excimer lasers and corneal inlays, glaucoma treatments and surgical & diagnostic ophthalmic instruments.
Click to read ESCRS Meeting Features Data From Many Countries»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
Carl Zeiss Meditec has acquired Acri.Tec. The acquisition and the new IOL technology CZM has obtained will likely help the company gain IOL market share in Europe and, once FDA market clearance is granted, pose a challenge to Alcon, AMO and B&L.
Click to read Carl Zeiss Meditec Acquiring Acri.Tec»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
Croma-Pharma has purchased Corneal ‘s ophthalmic surgical product line from Allergan. However, few details or plans have been made public despite a potentially significant impact on Croma-Pharma’s revenue stream.
Click to read Austria’s Croma-Pharma Buys Corneal’s Ophthalmic Surgical Products from Allergan»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
Aging populations, more numerous ophthalmic surgeries and concerns about cross-contamination are expected to spur healthy growth in the single-use surgical device market during the next five years.
Click to read 4.7 Percent Growth Rate Forecast for the Single-Use Ophthalmic Surgical Device Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
Two key industry acquisitions are expected to close soon. Alcon's friendly takeover of Wavelight should be completed within weeks, while the Warburg Pincus deal that will take Bausch & Lomb private is also expected to close early in the fourth quarter.
Click to read Update on Pending Acquisitions»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
Recent corporate laser center expansion combined with relatively static demand has heightened competition in the US refractive market.
Click to read Corporate Laser Centers Play Larger Role in US Market»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
The Market Scope Eye Index increased by 5.9 percent in September 2007 and outperformed broader stock market indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ both grew 4.0 percent.
Click to read October 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
The news this month includes the latest developments at AMO, Carl Zeiss, ArcScan, UltraLink, Quantel, MacuSight, Amsurg and Lumenis.
Click to read October 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 8 October, 2007 04:16 PM
US IOL procedure volume was up 2.9 percent in Q2-2007 over the previous year’s second quarter volume. At the same time, revenues in the US PC-IOL market grew from $27 million to $33.6 million.
Click to read Q2-2007 Intraocular Lens Procedures Up 2.9 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
Alcon has upped its bid for WaveLight, and WaveLight’s management has recommended that shareholders accept the offer by the September 11 deadline. The acquisition promises to shore up Alcon’s slipping laser refractive business, but it offers challenges, as well.
Click to read Alcon’s WaveLight Acquisition Plans Move Forward»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
The founders of Eyetech developed the first-generation anti-VEGF drug that spurred the transformation of the retinal pharmaceutical marketplace. Now they have formed a new company called Ophthotech and are poised to fast-track the development of new aptamer-based retinal therapeutics.
Click to read Ophthotech Poised to Fast Track Aptamer Therapeutics for Wet and Dry AMD»
Posted by dthomas on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
An aging global population, anticipated worldwide increases in cataract procedures and increasing adoption of phacoemulsification in the developing world will create significant opportunity in the cataract equipment market during the next five years.
Click to read The Cataract Equipment Market Offers Significant Global Opportunity»
Posted by wfreeman on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index increased slightly by 0.3 percent in August 2007 and fell short of the gains in the broader market indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 1.1 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index grew 2.0 percent.
Click to read September 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Bausch & Lomb, Eyeonics, Inspire Pharmaceutical, Regeron Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Healthcare, TLC Vision and Occulogix.
Click to read September 2007 Market Scope News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Friday 7 September, 2007 09:52 AM
Strong consumer confidence propelled refractive volume higher than anticipated, up 2.9 percent over totals from the same quarter in 2006.
Click to read Q2-2007 Refractive Volume Grows 2.9 Percent»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:51 AM
Although attendance was low, the 2007 ASCRS Summer Refractive Congress was chock-full of information and substantive debate on the issues reshaping refractive surgery today. Unfortunately, this year’s early August refractive meeting is scheduled to be the last.
Click to read The Final ASCRS Summer Refractive Congress Offers a Wealth of Information and Opinion»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:29 AM
France has removed several anterior-chamber phakic IOLs from the market, spurring renewed concern about endothelial cell loss.
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:21 AM
AMO has withdrawn its bid to acquire Bausch & Lomb after failing to reach an agreement on terms in lengthy negotiations with the B&L board.
Click to read AMO Withdraws Bid for Bausch & Lomb»
Posted by dthomas on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:19 AM
AMO has won FDA regulatory approval for CustomVue, the company’s monovision version of wavefront-guided ablation.
Click to read AMO Secures US FDA Regulatory Approval for Custom Monovision»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:10 AM
Despite the fact that the PC-IOL market has fallen short of expectations in the past year, the global IOL market is forecast to reach near double-digit growth in the next five years.
Click to read Market Scope Forecasts Near Double-Digit Revenue Growth in IOL Industry»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:06 AM
WaveLight is entertaining suitors, with both Alcon and Carl Zeiss Meditec vying for the company and its successful Allegretto laser.
Click to read WaveLight Entertains Purchase Offers»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 9 August, 2007 10:03 AM
Click to read August 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 9 August, 2007 09:55 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index was roughly unchanged in July 2007, with performance slightly better than changes in the broader stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.5 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index fell 2.2 percent.
Click to read August 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Thursday 9 August, 2007 09:37 AM
Many companies are hoping to gain regulatory approval for their cataract and refractive products in the coming months, but controversy is mounting regarding difficulties and delays in the FDA’s regulatory approval process.
Click to read The Product Queue Lengthens as Regulatory Approvals Slow in 2007»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 11:01 AM
As Bausch & Lomb’s 50-day go-shop period ended, AMO stepped up to the plate, besting the Warburg Pincus acquisition offer by $10 per share. But there’s a complicated road ahead for this potential bid—particularly in regard to Federal Trade Commission regulations.
Click to read AMO Announces Plans for Bausch & Lomb Acquisition»
Posted by dharmon1 on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 10:35 AM
While new retinal pharmaceuticals have offered alternatives to surgical treatment for many cases of serious retinal disease, the retinal surgical products market is expected to grow steadily—although not spectacularly—during the next five years.
Click to read Steady but Unspectacular Growth Ahead for Retinal Surgical Products»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 10:31 AM
Toric IOLs have received a boost lately from the US availability of two models and the recent CMS ruling allowing a premium charge for IOLs designed to correct astigmatism. Nonetheless, many surgeons remain wary of using toric lenses, and the IOLs still represent a tiny portion of the overall IOL market.
Click to read Toric IOL Use Grows but Remains a Tiny Portion of the IOL Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 10:09 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index declined 3.1 percent in June 2007 continuing to fall short of changes in the broader stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 1.6 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index broke even.
Click to read July 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 08:57 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Bausch & Lomb, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Ellex, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Staar Surgical and LCA-Vision.
Click to read July 2007 Market Scope News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Tuesday 10 July, 2007 08:48 AM
Q1-2007 IOL procedure volume climbed 2.8 percent higher than in Q1-2006, as new IOL technologies took the lead in growth. Although short of early expectations, PC-IOL surgeries posted gains of more than 21 percent, while together RLE and phakic procedures were up more than 11 percent.
Click to read Q1-2007 IOL Procedures Up 2.8 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:56 AM
A flurry of research is currently expanding the ophthalmic role of VEGF-inhibiting drugs. ARVO’s yearly Fort Lauderdale meeting showcased many of these efforts. (This article is divided into sections for easier loading. Please view all sections for the entire article.)
Click to read ARVO’s Annual Meeting Shines a Spotlight on New Retinal Treatment Paradigm»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:41 AM
(continued from "ARVO's Annual Meeting Shines a Spotlight on New Retinal Treatment Paradigm")
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: VEGF Inhibitors Expand Role»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:40 AM
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Notes on Dry Eye»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:39 AM
(continued from "VEGF Inhibitors Expand Role")
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Concerns about VEGFs»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:37 AM
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Note on Blue Blocking»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:36 AM
(continued from "Concerns About VEGFs)
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Combination Therapies Explored»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:30 AM
(continued from "Combination Therapies Explored")
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Investigative Anti-angiogenics»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 09:06 AM
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Notes on Lutein and Zeaxanthin»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:59 AM
(continued from "Investigative Anti-angiogenics")
Click to read 2007 ARVO Meeting Review: Other Retinal Topics»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:53 AM
Warburg Pincus may have a definitive agreement with acquisition-friendly B&L, but B&L will likely bat its eyes at rival suitors until July 5, the “go-shop” cut-off date. Meanwhile, AMO’s potential bid is undermined by a tiny amoeba.
Click to read Bausch & Lomb is Courted by Suitors»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:50 AM
AMO recalls Complete MoisturePlus multipurpose contact lens solution after the CDC links the solution to acanthamoeba infections.
Click to read AMO Recalls Complete MoisturePlus Multipurpose Contact Lens Solution»
Posted by dthomas on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:40 AM
The Market Scope Eye Index grew 1.4 percent in May 2007 but fell short of the broader stock market advances. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 4.3 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index grew 3.1 percent during the month.
Click to read June 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:24 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Bausch & Lomb, Iridex, Optos, TLC Vision, and OccuLogix.
Click to read June 2007 Market Scope News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Monday 11 June, 2007 08:17 AM
The ASCRS meeting drew a large crowd as the organization launched a major initiative to educate both its member surgeons and the public about presbyopia and the new wave of presbyopia-correcting surgical options. Our review of the meeting covers the following topics: Refractive Lasers, Corneal Inlays,Other Presbyopia-correcting Options, Microkeratomes, Multifocal IOLs, Accommodating IOLs, Toric IOLs, Aspheric IOLs, and Phacoemulsification.
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Attracts Quite a Crowd: Overview»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Refractive Lasers»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Corneal Inlays»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Other Presbyopia-correcting Options»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Microkeratomes»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Multifocal IOLs»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Accommodating IOLs»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Toric IOLs»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Aspheric IOLs»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Phacoemulsification»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Click to read 2007 ASCRS Meeting Review: Other Notes»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Refractive Volumes reached a new high in Q1-2007 as a seasonally strong first quarter, relatively high consumer confidence levels, and a later ASCRS meeting combined to drive procedure volume into the first quarter.
Click to read Q1-2007 Refractive Volumes Record High»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
TLC launched a new LASIK Today laser center model in Southern California on the heels of its new consumer-marketing strategy implemented in other TLC centers during the past several months.
Click to read TLC Launches LASIK Today Centers»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
In response to reports of central islands among patients treated with Alcon’s CustomCornea, the company issued a safety alert to users warning them to not use the Ladar6000 for wavefront-guided treatments of myopia until further notice.
Click to read Ladar6000 Users Told To Stop Using CustomCornea for Myopia»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Eye stocks performance was roughly in line with the broader stock market as the Eye Index grew 4.5 percent in April 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 5.7 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index grew 4.3 percent during the month.
Click to read May 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Genentech, Nidek, QLT Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Staar Surgical, TLC Vision and LCA Vision.
Click to read May 2007 Market Scope News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 10 May, 2007 08:35 AM
Eye stocks outperformed the broader stock market as the Eye Index grew 2.0 percent in March 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 0.7 percent, and the NASDAQ Composite Index grew 0.2 percent during the month.
Click to read April 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Wednesday 11 April, 2007 07:55 AM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Optos, LCA-Vision, Genentech, Occulogix, and Iridex.
Click to read April 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 11 April, 2007 07:54 AM
AMO has completed its acquisition of IntraLase, making AMO the clear global leader in the laser refractive market.
Click to read AMO Completes IntraLase Acquisition»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 11 April, 2007 07:53 AM
Attendance may set new records at the upcoming ASCRS meeting in San Diego, which is slated to explore the new techniques and technologies that are reshaping anterior segment surgery. We preview the late-April meeting in this issue.
- Multifocal IOLs
- Accommodating IOLs
- Alternative Presbyopia-correcting Techniques
- Phakic IOLs
- Aspheric IOLs
- Toric IOLs
- Other IOL Technologies
- Surgical Techniques
- Refractive Lasers
- Microkeratomes
- Surface Ablation
Click to read Newest Surgical Techniques & Technologies Featured at San Diego ASCRS Meeting»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 11 April, 2007 07:52 AM
HealthSouth will sell its surgery centers to private equity firm TPG in a move that could have a far-reaching impact on the business of ophthalmic surgery.
Click to read HealthSouth Divests Surgery Center Business»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 11 April, 2007 07:51 AM
IOL procedure volume grew at a quicker pace in Q4-2006 than in the previous quarter, while PC-IOL volume again fell short of expectations. However, the new technologies boosted refractive lens exchange and phakic IOL implantations to brisk growth, although these procedures still represent a very small portion of total IOL procedure volume.
Click to read Q4-2006 IOL Procedures Up 3.5 Percent»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 8 March, 2007 02:16 PM
With 125,000 presbyopia-correcting NearVision CK procedures performed to date, the Refractec procedure is now advancing through the regulatory process as a treatment for aging post-LASIK presbyopes.
Click to read Refractec Makes Progress in Regulatory Approval for Post-LASIK Presbyopia Treatment»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 8 March, 2007 02:06 PM
Shifts in market share among US refractive surgery providers have been masked by relatively static procedure volumes in recent years.
Click to read US Refractive Market Changes Masked by Static Procedure Volumes»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 8 March, 2007 01:47 PM
Users of Optimedica’s new photocoagulation laser, the Pascal, report shorter treatment times, greater patient comfort and improved surgeon control when treating various retinal conditions.
Click to read Innovative Photocoagulation Laser Shortens Treatment Time»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 8 March, 2007 01:42 PM
A new generation of technology used in glaucoma treatment is expected to drive growth in the glaucoma device market during the next five years.
Click to read Glaucoma Device Market Poised for Growth»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 8 March, 2007 01:35 PM
Eye stocks outperformed the broader stock market as the Eye Index grew 1.4 percent in February 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.8 percent and the NASDAQ Composite Index fell 1.9 percent during the month.
Click to read March 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Thursday 8 March, 2007 01:26 PM
The news this month includes the latest developments at Staar, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Bausch and Lomb, Othera Pharmaceuticals, and TargGen, Inc.
Click to read March 2007 Market Scope News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Thursday 8 March, 2007 01:19 PM
Refractive procedure volume dipped slightly below expected levels in Q4-2006, while full-year 2006 volume was also lower than in 2005. However, demand is expected to increase modestly in 2007.
Click to read US Q4-2006 Refractive Procedure Volume Down 2.0 Percent»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 04:05 PM
The January CMS ruling allowing cataract surgery patients to pay a premium for toric IOLs is expected to boost US sales of the lenses. However, the drawbacks of current-generation toric IOLs are likely to constrain that growth.
Click to read Recent CMS Ruling Likely to Increase Use of Toric IOLs in the US»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 03:55 PM
Several key business deals captured attention at this year’s well-attended Hawaiian Eye Meeting. Sessions also updated attendees on recent developments in cataract, refractive and retinal sub-specialties.
Click to read Business Deals Highlight Hawaiian Eye Meeting»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 03:32 PM
After suffering various setbacks in recent years, Inspire Pharmaceuticals will meet with the FDA regarding its dry eye treatment Prolacria (diquafosol) in efforts to get the stalled treatment back on track.
Click to read Inspire Makes Another Bid for FDA Approval of Prolacria»
Posted by dthomas on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 03:25 PM
With a panoply of available and emerging surgical techniques, coupled with an aging global population, the surgical correction of presbyopia promises a significant growth opportunity during the next five years.
Click to read Surgical Correction of Presbyopia Tops Ophthalmic Market Growth Opportunities»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 03:14 PM
Genentech has posted a letter on its website alerting retinal specialists to a potential risk of stroke associated with its AMD drug, Lucentis, a drug that has given new hope of improvement to AMD sufferers.
Click to read Genentech Warns of Reported Stroke Risk with Lucentis»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 01:42 PM
Eye stocks slightly outperformed the broader stock market, as the Eye Index grew 6.4 percent in January 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 1.3 percent and the NASDAQ Composite Index grew 2.0 percent during the month.
Click to read February 2007 Market Scope Eye Index»
Posted by kristenharmon on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 01:39 PM
The news this month includes the latest developments at AMO, Wavefront Sciences, Novartis, Bausch and Lomb, Acufocus, and Staar Surgical.
Click to read February 2007 News Briefs»
Posted by dharmon1 on Wednesday 7 February, 2007 08:50 AM