Alcon Innovations on Display at AAO 2024 Demonstrate Efficiency and Performance

Rhea-AI Summary

Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) will showcase its latest innovations at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting. Key highlights include:

• The Voyager DSLT, a new first-line laser therapy for glaucoma patients
• New handheld gas delivery systems, UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY, for retina surgeons
• Pivotal data presentation for AR-15512 (acoltremon 0.003%), a dry eye treatment candidate under FDA review

Alcon's booth #4008 will offer hands-on demonstrations of these technologies. The company emphasizes its focus on improving patient outcomes and enhancing surgical efficiency. New clinical data on Alcon's surgical products will also be presented at the conference.

Positive

• Introduction of Voyager DSLT, a new first-line laser therapy for glaucoma patients
• Launch of UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY handheld gas delivery systems for retina surgeons
• Presentation of pivotal data for AR-15512, a dry eye treatment candidate under FDA review
• Expansion of Alcon's glaucoma portfolio with Voyager DSLT technology
• UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY systems offer improved accuracy and streamlined setup for gas delivery in retinal surgeries

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Device Analyst

Alcon's showcase at AAO 2024 demonstrates significant advancements in ophthalmology, particularly in glaucoma and retinal surgery. The Voyager DSLT represents a potential paradigm shift in glaucoma treatment, offering an automated, gonio lens-free approach that could position it as a first-line therapy. This could streamline glaucoma management and potentially improve patient outcomes.

The introduction of UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY gas delivery systems addresses key challenges in retinal surgery. By improving accuracy and convenience, these devices may reduce procedural complications and enhance surgical efficiency. The integrated design could lead to cost savings through reduced gas wastage and simplified inventory management.

While these innovations are promising, their true impact will depend on clinical adoption and long-term outcomes data. Investors should monitor post-launch performance and reimbursement decisions, as these will be critical for market penetration and revenue growth in Alcon's surgical division.

Ophthalmology Researcher

The pivotal data presentation for AR-15512 (acoltremon 0.003%) for dry eye disease is a significant development. Dry eye is a prevalent condition with a substantial market opportunity. If approved, this novel TRPM8 agonist could diversify Alcon's portfolio in the high-growth ophthalmology pharmaceuticals segment.

The COMET 2 & 3 trial results will be important in assessing the drug's efficacy and safety profile. Positive outcomes could position Alcon competitively in the dry eye market, currently dominated by drugs like Restasis and Xiidra. However, the regulatory pathway and potential launch timeline remain uncertain pending FDA review.

Investors should closely evaluate the presented data, comparing efficacy and safety to existing treatments. Market potential will depend on differentiation in onset of action, durability of effect and side effect profile. Success in this area could significantly boost Alcon's revenue streams and diversify its product mix beyond surgical and vision care devices.

• Attendees can experience a first look at Voyager DSLT, Alcon’s new first-line laser therapy for glaucoma patients
• Alcon introduces new handheld gas delivery systems, UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY, optimizing convenience and accuracy for retina surgeons
• In addition, Alcon presents pivotal data for AR-15512 (acoltremon 0.003%)*, a prescription drug candidate undergoing FDA review for the treatment of dry eye

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, will showcase its latest clinical data and product innovations at the upcoming American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting. Ophthalmologists, surgical staff, researchers, and industry leaders can visit Alcon at booth #4008 for hands-on demonstrations and engaging experiences.

“The heart of Alcon remains a relentless pursuit of improving outcomes and helping patients see brilliantly,” said Jim Di Filippo, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Surgical at Alcon. “Our vision extends beyond this; we are equally focused on efficiency, ensuring our innovations deliver quality and performance. From pioneering technologies like Voyager™ DSLT and UNIFEYE™ to our cloud-connected Alcon Vision Suite, we are dedicated to advancing ophthalmology and streamlining surgical workflows.”

Alcon’s latest innovation for glaucoma therapy, the Voyager™ Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device, will be available for demonstration. Recently, Alcon expanded its glaucoma portfolio with the Voyager™ DSLT (formerly the Belkin Eagle). Like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), DSLT therapy delivers laser energy to the trabecular meshwork. Voyager™ DSLT’s proprietary eye-tracking technology ensures an accurate, automated treatment delivery through the limbus. This eliminates the need for a gonio lens or manual aiming necessary to conduct SLT.¹² Due to this patient- and physician-friendly design, precision treatment, and streamlined workflow, Voyager™ DSLT is poised to become a first-line treatment in glaucoma care.⁵

During AAO 2024, Alcon will introduce the UNIFEYE™ Gas Delivery System. With the introduction of UNIFEYE™, Alcon gives surgeons confidence in the gas-to-air mixture by integrating all components for gas delivery in one handheld device. Surgeons gain improved accuracy via a predictable, precise gas-to-air ratio that mitigates the risk of delivering an unintended gas-to-air mixture, as well as a simplified and streamlined setup, eliminating the manual attachment of gas cylinders and filters that have historically wasted time and gas. ^{1-5, 6,11**†}

In addition to UNIFEYE™, Alcon will debut the UNIPEXY™ Gas Delivery System. The highly portable UNIPEXY™ is designed for in-clinic convenience and also contains an integrated single-dose pico-cylinder comprised of perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) or sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) that puts everything needed to perform pneumatic retinopexy in the surgeon’s hand.^1,2,7,10,11 UNIFEYE™ and UNIPEXY™, commercially available in 2025, will be available for demonstration at the Alcon booth.

Alcon will highlight new data on its industry-leading surgical products. A selection of studies to be presented at AAO include:

• “Comparing the effects of two different intraocular pressure settings during routine phacoemulsification in patients with diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma; a randomized controlled feasibility trial” (ENHANSE). Presented as an electronic poster by David H. Steel, FRCOphth, MBBS
• “Evaluation of the ergonomic consequences of using NGENUITY 3D compared to the standard microscope for cataract surgery, focused on eye movements, head positioning, blink rate and posture.” Presented as an electronic poster by Everardo Hernandez-Quintela, MD, MSC
• “Visual Performance of a Trifocal IOL in Patients with Mild Open-Angle Glaucoma Undergoing Concurrent Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.” Presented as an electronic poster by Steven D. Vold, MD

New pivotal data (COMET 2 & 3) for AR-15512 (acoltremon ophthalmic solution 0.003%) will be presented. Acoltremon ophthalmic solution 0.003% is an investigational drug candidate for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The Phase 3 pivotal study results will be presented by David Wirta, MD, as an electronic poster titled “AR-15512: A Novel TRPM8 Agonist for the Treatment of the Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye.”

Additional educational opportunities and experiences for Eye Care Professionals will be available at the Alcon booth #4008. For more about the Alcon products and services at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, please visit MyAlconatAAO.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 more than 260 million 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 Voyager™ Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT)

The Voyager DSLT (previously Belkin Eagle device) is a prescription ophthalmic laser device designed for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty. Refer to the device User Guide for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes.

About UNIFEYE™

The UNIPURE (SF₆ or C₃F₈) Ophthalmic Gas in the UNIFEYE Gas Delivery System is indicated for intraocular injection into the eye for the treatment of uncomplicated retinal detachments. Associated measures used include vitrectomy, fluid/air exchange, transconjunctival and transscleral cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, and air/gas exchange.

About UNIPEXY™

The UNIPURE (SF₆ or C₃F₈) Ophthalmic Gas in the UNIPEXY Gas Delivery System is indicated for intraocular injection into the eye for the treatment of uncomplicated retinal detachments. Associated measures used include vitrectomy, fluid/air exchange, transconjunctival and transscleral cryotherapy, and laser photocoagulation. Refer to the Directions for Use labeling for a complete list of important safety information, instructions, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions.

*AR-15512 is an investigational drug product that has been filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval; it is not yet approved.

**Within 1.5% accuracy

† As compared to traditional methods of gas mixing

References

1. Alcon Data on File, 2018.
2. Alcon Data on File, 2018.
3. Alcon Data on File, 2021.
4. Sigler, Eric J., et al. “Intravitreal Fluorinated Gas Preference and Occurrence of Rare Ischemic Postoperative Complications after Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Survey of the American Society of Retina Specialists.” Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. 2012, 2012, pp.1–5.
5. Kanclerz, Piotr, and Andrzej Grzybowski. “Case Series of Inappropriate Concentration of Intraocular Sulfur Hexafluoride.” Case Reports in Ophthalmology, vol. 9, no. 2, 2018, pp. 405–10.
6. UNIFEYE^TM Gas Delivery System Directions for Use. Alcon Surgical Retina Product Catalog, 2019; US-CON 1900001.
7. UNIPEXY^TM Directions for Use.
8. Hahn P, ed. ASRS 2023 Preferences and Trends Membership Survey. Chicago, IL. American Society of Retina Specialists.
9. Alcon Data on File, 2020.
10. ISPAN* Directions for Use
11. Alcon Surgical Retina Product Catalog, 2019; US-CON-1900001.
12. BELKIN Vision Eagle Device User Guide.

Connect with us on

Facebook

LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241014111640/en/

Investor Relations

Dan Cravens, Allen Trang

+ 41 589 112 110 (Geneva)

+ 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)

investor.relations@alcon.com

Media Relations

Kevin Nicoletti

+ 1 817 913 3461 (Fort Worth)

kevin.nicoletti@alcon.com

Source: Alcon Inc. Investors

FAQ

What new products is Alcon (ALC) showcasing at AAO 2024?

Alcon is showcasing the Voyager DSLT for glaucoma therapy, UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY handheld gas delivery systems for retina surgeons, and presenting pivotal data for AR-15512, a dry eye treatment candidate.

When will Alcon's (ALC) UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY gas delivery systems be commercially available?

According to the press release, UNIFEYE and UNIPEXY gas delivery systems will be commercially available in 2025.

What is the purpose of Alcon's (ALC) Voyager DSLT device?

The Voyager DSLT is designed as a first-line laser therapy for glaucoma patients, delivering laser energy to the trabecular meshwork with proprietary eye-tracking technology for accurate, automated treatment delivery.

What clinical data will Alcon (ALC) present at AAO 2024?

Alcon will present new data on its surgical products, including studies on intraocular pressure settings during phacoemulsification, ergonomic consequences of using NGENUITY 3D in cataract surgery, and visual performance of a trifocal IOL in glaucoma patients.