Alcon Debuts Groundbreaking PRECISION7, a One-Week Replacement Contact Lens to Start and End Every Week Fresh

Rhea-AI Summary

Alcon (ALC) has launched PRECISION7, a revolutionary one-week replacement contact lens in the U.S. The lens features the world's first ACTIV-FLO System, providing 16 hours of comfort and precise vision through day 7. This innovation addresses affordability concerns, as over half of new patients opt for reusable lenses despite ECPs preferring daily disposables. PRECISION7 will be available through select ECPs immediately, with broader U.S. commercial availability in January 2025. The product launches with both sphere and toric lenses simultaneously, featuring a unique moisturizing system that combines water-loving agents and proprietary replenishing technology.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative product addressing market gap between daily and bi-weekly lenses
• Simultaneous launch of both sphere and toric lenses, expanding market reach
• Strategic pricing positioning to capture cost-conscious market segment
• Expansion of WaterInnovations portfolio strengthening market presence

Negative

• Broad commercial availability delayed until January 2025
• initial distribution through select ECPs only

Insights

Medical Device Analyst

The launch of PRECISION7 represents a strategic move into an underserved market segment between daily disposables and bi-weekly/monthly lenses. The product addresses a critical price-sensitivity barrier, as more than 50% of new patients opt for reusable lenses due to cost concerns. The simultaneous launch of both spherical and toric versions maximizes the addressable market from day one.

The proprietary ACTIV-FLO System technology creates a competitive advantage in the weekly replacement category, which has been relatively stagnant in innovation. The January 2025 broad commercial launch timeline allows for controlled initial distribution while scaling up manufacturing capacity. This product fills a strategic gap in Alcon's WaterInnovations portfolio and could capture market share from both premium and economy segments.

Market Research Analyst

Market dynamics strongly favor this product launch. Research shows 75% of contact lens wearers want to hear about new technologies from their eye care providers, indicating strong potential demand. The weekly replacement schedule aligns with natural consumer behavior patterns and could drive better compliance compared to bi-weekly options.

The pricing strategy positions PRECISION7 as an attractive middle-ground solution, potentially expanding Alcon's total addressable market. This launch strengthens Alcon's competitive position against rivals like Johnson & Johnson Vision and Bausch & Lomb in the reusable lens segment, while protecting their premium daily disposable business.

• PRECISION7, a new one-week replacement lens, provides 16 hours of outstanding comfort and precise vision, even on day 7¹
• Features world’s first ACTIV-FLO System specially designed for one-week optimal performance²
• PRECISION7 broadens existing WaterInnovations portfolio, addressing the need for comfort and affordability when a daily disposable lens is not an option^1,3*

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the U.S. launch of PRECISION7^®, the only one-week replacement contact lens with the revolutionary 7-day ACTIV-FLO^® System² that provides 16 hours of outstanding comfort and precise vision, even on day 7.¹

While nearly nine out of ten Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) believe daily disposable lenses are better overall for their patients, more than half of new patients are still being fit in reusable lenses due to cost considerations.^3* Most optometrists agree that a one-week contact lens replacement schedule would be more intuitive for patients, as compared to a two-week replacement schedule.⁴ PRECISION7 offers a breakthrough in comfort performance and an easy to remember replacement schedule when daily disposables are not an option.^1,3-4*

“We are making history with the bold innovation of PRECISION7,” said Max Wolf, General Manager, Head of Vision Care and Contact Lenses at Alcon. “Now, patients can start and end every week fresh with a first-of-its-kind contact lens featuring ACTIV-FLO technology.^1-2 This is also the first time we are introducing both sphere and toric lenses to the U.S. market simultaneously, allowing ECPs to address the needs of the majority of patients right away.”

The groundbreaking innovation of the ACTIV-FLO System in PRECISION7 is a unique combination of a water-loving moisturizing agent embedded in the lens matrix and a proprietary replenishing agent that is continually released to moisturize the surface for 7 days.^2,5

“Data show that three out of every four contact lens wearers want their ECPs to talk to them about new contact lens technology,” said Jason Compton, OD, FAAO.^6** “When daily disposable lenses aren’t an option, PRECISION7 provides 16 hours of outstanding comfort and precise vision, even on day 7, at a price our patients can afford.^1,3 It has an easy and intuitive replacement schedule⁴ that allows my patients to pick their preferred day of the week to replace their contact lenses.”

The launch of PRECISION7 marks the newest addition to the Alcon WaterInnovations™ portfolio of contact lenses. Patients can experience PRECISION7 sphere and toric lenses through select ECPs effective immediately in the U.S. PRECISION7 will be more broadly commercially available in the U.S. beginning in January of 2025, with markets outside of the U.S. to follow later. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information. For more information, please visit www.alcon.com.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

About WaterInnovations Contact Lenses

The Alcon WaterInnovations portfolio of contact lenses harnesses the power of water to deliver comfort for how we use our eyes today^1,7-9, helping to outsmart Digital Device Dryness and many other challenges today’s patients face. PRECISION7 is the latest contact lens in Alcon’s WaterInnovations contact lens portfolio, joining additional proprietary lenses DAILIES TOTAL1^®, PRECISION1^®, and TOTAL30^®.

References

1. In a 2-week prospective clinical study in the US; n=181; CLEAR CARE Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution used for cleaning and disinfection; Alcon data on file, 2023.
2. Zheng Y, Dou J, Wang Y, et al. Sustained release of a polymeric wetting agent from a silicone-hydrogel contact lens material. ACS Omega. 2022;7(33):29223-29230. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03310.
3. Alcon data on file, 2022.
4. Based on a survey of 500 US optometrists who fit contact lenses; Alcon data on file, 2023.
5. Phan CM, Chan VWY, Drolle E, et al. Evaluating the in vitro wettability and coefficient of friction of a novel and contemporary reusable silicone hydrogel contact lens materials using an in vitro blink model. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024.
6. Based on a survey of 500 US bi-weekly contact lens wearers; Alcon data on file, 2023.
7. Fogt J, Patton K. Long day wear experience with water surface daily disposable contact lenses. ClinOptom. 2022(14):93-99.
8. Perez-Gomez I, Giles T. European survey of contact lens wearers and eye care professionals on satisfaction with a new water gradient daily disposable contact lens. ClinOptom. 2014;6:17-23.
9. In a clinical study wherein patients (n=66) used AOSEPT solution for nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing; Alcon data on file, 2021.

^{*Based on agreement with the statement "I believe daily disposable lenses are better for my patients overall.”
**Based on survey of 500 US bi-weekly contact lens wearers.}

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Investor Relations

Allen Trang

+ 41 589 112 110 (Geneva)

Daniel Cravens

+ 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)

investor.relations@alcon.com



Media Relations

Steven Smith

+ 41 589 112 111 (Geneva)

+ 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth)

globalmedia.relations@alcon.com

Source: Alcon Inc. Investors

FAQ

When will Alcon's PRECISION7 (ALC) be broadly available in the US market?

PRECISION7 will be broadly commercially available in the U.S. beginning in January 2025.

What is unique about Alcon's PRECISION7 (ALC) contact lens technology?

PRECISION7 features the world's first ACTIV-FLO System, providing 16 hours of comfort and precise vision for 7 days through a unique combination of moisturizing and replenishing agents.

How does PRECISION7 fit into Alcon's (ALC) product portfolio?

PRECISION7 is the newest addition to Alcon's WaterInnovations portfolio, joining other proprietary lenses including DAILIES TOTAL1, PRECISION1, and TOTAL30.

What market need does Alcon's PRECISION7 (ALC) address?

PRECISION7 addresses the need for affordable contact lenses when daily disposables aren't an option, as over half of new patients are fitted with reusable lenses due to cost considerations.