Industry News

New platform of preloaded intraocular lenses

BAUSCH + LOMB has announced the launch of a new platform of preloaded intraocular lenses LUXSMART™ AND LUXGOOD™, which feature preloaded delivery systems and Pure Refractive Optics (PRO) Technology.

LuxSmart™ and LuxGood™ comprise a hydrophobic material and represent the launch of a new platform for Bausch + Lomb, forming part of a complete range of innovative IOLs. A toric version using the same platform will also become available, in addition to the monofocal and PC-IOLs, according to the company.

“With the introduction of LuxSmart™, we are happy to access the presbyopia market with truly innovative premium IOL designs, avoiding the usual dysphotopsic phenomena that can compromise patient vision with typical diffractive optics” said Luc Bonnefoy Vice President Surgical International, Bausch + Lomb. “The Pure Refractive Optics Technology (PRO Technology) represents a great opportunity for patients to experience the benefits of presbyopia-correcting IOLs, but without the discomfort of dysphotopsic symptoms,” said Laura Pérez, Cataract & High-Tech Marketing Manager International, Bausch + Lomb. https://www.bauschsurgical.eu/

MICROBIOME RESEARCH

ZEISS have established a partnership with microbiome analytics firm Perseus Biomics. The partnership aims to develop an optical technology for microbiome research, specifically the quantitative analysis of the microbiome.

“The microbiome is a field of strong research interest with the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of living systems. Abundance analysis of the microbiome is one key element of this research and Perseus’ innovative optical technology has the potential to enable it at a new level,” said Gerrit Schulte, Head of ZEISS Ventures.

“We have assembled a first-class scientific and R&D team that aims to revolutionise microbiome analysis, making it faster, more precise and more affordable, while opening the way for broad-reach personalised medicine,” said Walid N. Hanna, Executive Chairman of Perseus. https://www.zeiss.com/

ACQUISITION COMPLETED

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, has completed its acquisition of Allergan plc following receipt of regulatory approval from all government authorities required by the transaction agreement and approval by the Irish High Court.

“We are pleased to reach this important milestone for the Company, its employees, shareholders and the patients we serve,” said Richard A. Gonzalez, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. “Our new Allergan colleagues should be commended for all their efforts, along with those of our own employees, to achieve this turning point. The new AbbVie will be a well-diversified leader in many important therapeutic categories, with both on-market and pipeline assets, and our financial strength will allow us to continue to invest in innovative science and continue to serve unmet medical needs of patients that rely upon us.” https://news.abbvie.com/

NEW REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

Johnson & Johnson Vision has appointed Erin McEachren as Regional Vice President for Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, EMEA.

“Erin is an exceptional leader with a strong track record of success and a depth and breadth of experience. Her addition to the global Surgical Vision Leadership Team strengthens our position at the highest level of our organisation,” said Warren Foust, Worldwide President, Surgical Vision. https://www.jjvision.com/

NEW DRUG

VSY Biotechnology GmbH has announced that a new drug named TR-C 19 has been developed to treat COVID-19 by the company’s research centre.

Studies have shown that TR-C 19 can neutralise the virus isolated under laboratory conditions, according to VSY. The drug is now at the authority approval stage for usage on voluntary COVID-19 patients and clinical trial.

“[This] is one of the most meaningful projects that we have been developing,” said Dr Ercan Varlibas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VSY Biotechnology GmbH. https://www.vsybiotechnology.com/

RESEARCH AWARD

Professor John M. Nolan, from the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, School of Health Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, has received the Xtreme Research Award 2020 from Heidelberg Engineering for his research related to macular pigment for vision health and function.

Prof Nolan said: “Science is only as good as its measurements, and thankfully we now have access to gold standard technology such as the Heidelberg Engineering SPECTRALIS.

“The future of our research and its successful translation and benefits to eyecare will be driven by this innovative technology.” https://www.heidelbergengineering.com/