B&L enters the field of angiogenesis inhibition

In a bid to enter the growing area of angiogenesis inhibition, Bausch & Lomb has announced the formation of two collaborations, both involving they licensing of anti-angiogenesis compounds for possible ophthalmic use.

PTC Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive option agreement with the New York-based firm to develop therapeutic anti-angiogenesis candidates through PTC's proprietary screening technology GEMS (Gene Expression Modulation by Small Molecules). The aim of the collaboration is to develop compounds for ocular neovascularization including macular degeneration.

In a separate agreement, B&L has signed a deal with Pennsylvania-based firm Cephalon for the development, marketing and sale of ophthalmic products containing small-molecule angiogenesis inhibitors. Under the terms of this agreement, B&L will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development of compounds for ophthalmic use, will make a milestone payment to Cephalon upon regulatory acceptance of a New Drug Application, and will pay royalties based on product sales.

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has accelerated its rationalization and repositioning designed to enhance its position in the refractive surgical market. Originally planned for completion by the latter half of 2006, the reorganization reached its conclusion at the end of 2005.

The objectives of the reshuffle were to dispose of non-core cataract and eye-care products and eliminate non-core assets to allow the company to increase investment and growth in its refractive surgery business.

Since AMO was spun off from Allergan in 2002, the medical device company has acquired Pfizer Ophthalmics and VISX, whilst entering into many strategic alliances and expanding R&D investment and manufacturing capabilities.

With the latest move, AMO is now turning its attention to expanding markets within the industry and increasing its focus on R&D investment and utilization of resources on the big growth drivers, whilst better leveraging its well-established suite of cataract, refractive and eye care brands.

AMO expands presence in UK

The UK vision care company Optical Express has agreed to install Advanced Medical Optics' (AMO) recently approved VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser system for refractive surgery procedures.