Alcon, Inc. has received regulatory approval for its acquisition of LenSx Lasers, Inc.

The LenSx laser creates a well centred anterior capsulorhexis of exact diameter and fragments the lens for more efficient removal. The LenSx femtosecond laser was the first such laser to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for use as a part of cataract surgery. 

LenSx President and CEO, Dr Ronald Kurtz said: The LenSx team is thrilled to be a part of Alcon, the world’s leader in eye care, which will allow this advanced technology to reach more surgeons and cataract patients around the world.  

Alcon paid a base purchase price of $361.5 million in cash to LenSx shareholders for their shares, plus committed to pay maximum contingent payments of $382.5 million based upon the achievement and over-achievement of future femtosecond unit and procedure fee revenue milestones.  Alcon anticipates that the LenSx femtosecond laser will be commercially available in the United States beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010 and in other countries next year.