OptiMedica sells glaucoma and retina business to Topcon

OptiMedica Corp., has sold its retina and glaucoma business to Topcon Corp., leaving it in a strong position to invest in the launch of its laser cataract surgery system as well as continued cataract-focused research and development.

“This is a very exciting time for OptiMedica, as we transition our highly successful retina and glaucoma franchise to Topcon and devote all of our energy towards revolutionizing cataract surgery, ” said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. “Topcon has been an outstanding distribution partner for the PASCAL (PAttern SCAn Laser) Photocoagulator in several major markets, so we are confident that they are ideally suited to advancing PASCAL in the global marketplace. With our retina and glaucoma portfolio in the very capable hands of Topcon, OptiMedica will concentrate on delivering the significant innovations that we have developed in laser cataract surgical technology. ”

OptiMedica introduced its PASCAL Method, a proprietary, semi-automated pattern generation technique that allows the rapid delivery of laser pulses in a pre-determined sequence, in 2006. It was co-invented by ophthalmic thought leader Dr Mark Blumenkranz and four Silicon Valley engineers.

Hiroshi Fukuzawa, general manager, Eye Care Business Unit at Topcon said: “The acquisition of OptiMedica's retina and glaucoma business marks a milestone in the history of Topcon. It is the largest acquisition in the medical division to date and underlines our objective to be a total-solutions provider to the eye care practitioner. Given the aging population and continued growth in diabetic and age-related eye disease, the therapeutic laser market continues to be a major opportunity in ophthalmology. OptiMedica’s innovative approach and outstanding customer support have made a difference in our industry and we look forward to continuing on this path. ”

OptiMedica will continue its focus on laser cataract surgery for the delivery of laser energy with high speed scanning, advanced control systems and user interface design. The company has developed a proprietary femtosecond laser system from the ground up to dramatically improve the cataract procedure by replacing its most technically demanding and manual steps. The system will provide cataract surgeons with the same winning combination of precision, control, performance, safety and efficacy that OptiMedica delivered with its PASCAL technologies.

The product of deep clinical and scientific collaboration, the company’s new system is well positioned to lead the market for laser cataract surgery. For the last several years, OptiMedica's senior leadership, design team and engineers have worked closely with a Cataract Medical Advisory Board made up of esteemed cataract surgeons from around the world. The Advisory Board has provided valuable input to every step of the development process, from product design and clinical study to commercial planning. Together, OptiMedica’s Cataract Advisory Board members have treated hundreds of pre-clinical eyes, and many have participated in institutional review board (IRB) approved clinical studies.