Business in Brief
CXL gets the green light in the USA, Valeant announces new CEO, and Alcon teams up with PowerVision
- Avedro has finally received the long-awaited FDA approval for its corneal collagen cross-linking platform. The KXL System – and Photexra Viscous and Photrexa photoenhancers for use with the system – are indicated for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.
- Valeant has announced Joseph Papa from OTC pharma company Perrigo, as its new CEO. Papa is expected to join the company in early May.
- Alcon has entered a strategic alliance with PowerVision to develop fluid-based accommodating IOLs for cataract patients who also have presbyopia. The alliance will fund further clinical development and trials, and will provide Alcon with the option to purchase PowerVision.
- Nicox has submitted a new drug application to the FDA for AC-170 – a cetirizine eye drop formulation for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
- The dust is still settling after the Allergan-Pfizer deal fell through in early April. Whilst rumors are rife that Allergan may be interested in Bausch+Lomb, there is no clear answer yet, although industry insiders are saying that Allergan is not denying that Bausch + Lomb is not of interest if it is available for the right price.
- ArcScan has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its ArcScan Insight 100 device which is indicated for refractive surgical planning and evaluation of anterior segment pathology.
I spent seven years as a medical writer, writing primary and review manuscripts, congress presentations and marketing materials for numerous – and mostly German – pharmaceutical companies. Prior to my adventures in medical communications, I was a Wellcome Trust PhD student at the University of Edinburgh.
