What You Should Know:
– Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), a company in eye care, announced today the completion of its acquisition of BELKIN Vision for a total of $81M. This strategic move strengthens Alcon’s position in the glaucoma treatment landscape.
– By acquiring BELKIN Vision’s DSLT technology, Alcon expands its treatment options for glaucoma patients. This minimally invasive procedure offers a new tool for physicians, with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes. With planned US market entry and integration into Alcon’s established ecosystem, this acquisition positions Alcon as a leader in providing comprehensive solutions for glaucoma management.
The Deal: Expanding Treatment Options for Glaucoma
The acquisition includes an upfront cash payment of $65M with the potential for an additional $385M based on achieving specific sales milestones. Notably, the deal grants Alcon access to BELKIN Vision’s Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology.
DSLT: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Glaucoma
DSLT is a minimally invasive laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Clinical studies, including the LiGHT trial and the GLAUrious study, have demonstrated the effectiveness of SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), a key factor in managing glaucoma.
Global Availability and Integration Plans:
Currently, DSLT is approved for use in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). Following the acquisition, Alcon will ensure continued availability in these regions while pursuing FDA clearance for the US market, with a goal of offering the technology to US physicians by the end of 2024.
Integration with Alcon Vision Suite:
Alcon plans to seamlessly integrate DSLT into its Alcon Vision Suite ecosystem. This commitment ensures continued training and best-in-class service for their customers.
“As a therapy with significant advantages for the patient and practice, we believe our newly acquired DSLT technology is uniquely positioned to accelerate the evolution toward first-line use of SLT in the glaucoma treatment paradigm,” said Sean Clark, President, Global Surgical Franchise, Alcon. “We look forward to broadening access to this exciting technology in the future as we continue to address solutions for unmet needs in glaucoma.”
