Evoq Technologies is excited to announce the FDA registration of the first in its family of products based on its proprietary smartphone-based biosensor technology. Dubbed the ‘SmartERG’ Platform, it’s built to test the eye’s retinal health in unique ways. About the science: By flashing a controlled light at the eye, we can evoke an electrical-physiological response from the retina that …
VSY Biotechnology Launches AcrivaUD Trinova Pro C Pupil Adaptive Trifocal IOL in Europe
German company VSY Biotechnology announced Nov. 12 the European commercial launch of its AcrivaUD Trinova Pro C Pupil Adaptive trifocal presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (PC-IOL). VSY says the lens is the only trifocal IOL with Sinusoidal Vision Technology that combines with pupil adaptive design.
Researchers Find that Prozac Blocks the Inflammation that Leads to Dry AMD
Researchers at the University of Virginia who were looking at the potential of repurposing non-ophthalmic approved drugs for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that the antidepressant fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, blocks the inflammation that can lead to the blinding condition. An experimental drug called CY-09 has been found to block that inflammatory process by binding …
Santen to Introduce First Plant-Derived Eye Drop Bottle in EMEA to Help Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuel-Based Plastic
Santen unveiled plans to launch the first bio-based plastic eye drop bottle in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The plastic element of the bottles is made from a sugar cane-derived material called “I’m green Polyethylene.” This uses natural resources while maintaining the structural integrity of traditional plastic thus ensuring the medication is stable and reaches the patient in perfect condition, according to Santen. The bottles were introduced in Japan in June, 2021, followed by EMEA in early 2023. Santen’s efforts toward a …
Alcon Acquires Ivantis for $475 Million, Plus Potential Milestone Payments
Alcon has bolstered its glaucoma surgical device portfolio with the acquisition of Ivantis and its Hydrus Microstent. Alcon, a Switzerland-registered company with US headquarters in Texas, announced Nov. 8 that it would pay $475 million up front, plus potential milestone payments, for Ivantis, of Irvine, California. The transaction is expected to close in Q1-2022.
Sanofi to Invest up to $60 Million in Gyroscope Therapeutics
UK-based Gyroscope Therapeutics announced Nov. 8 that France’s Sanofi had committed to invest up to $60 million in equity in Gyroscope. Sanofi will invest $40 million initially, at a premium to Gyroscope’s prior Series C financing, and the remaining $20 million will be contingent on a future qualifying investment round and subject to certain closing conditions. Under the agreement, a …
