Bausch + Lomb has announced the acquisition of Elios Vision by an affiliate to improve the company's capabilities in treating glaucoma.
The acquisition strengthens Bausch + Lomb's existing portfolio of surgical and pharmaceutical glaucoma treatments.
Leerink Partners acted as exclusive financial adviser to Elios Vision for the acquisition while Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation provided legal counsel.
Elios Vision developed ELIOS, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure that leverages an excimer laser technology to generate microscopic openings in the trabecular meshwork. This facilitates the outflow of aqueous and helps to reduce intraocular pressure.
The procedure is the first to be clinically validated and can be performed along with cataract surgery.
Elios Vision former chairman and CEO Elliot Friedman said: “Bausch + Lomb’s extensive reach in cataract surgery will introduce ELIOS to a broader range of eye care professionals and help change the treatment paradigm for the estimated 80 million people worldwide living with glaucoma.
“The goal is to make combining cataract and glaucoma treatment the new standard of care, and that’s even more attainable given Bausch + Lomb’s presence in nearly 100 countries.”
MIGS is recognised for being a safer approach compared to traditional glaucoma surgery techniques, with the added benefit of a quicker recovery time.
The ELIOS technology currently holds a CE mark and is marketed within the European Union.
Elios Vision is actively seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand its reach.
Bausch + Lomb Surgical president Luc Bonnefoy said: “Today’s announcement further demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, innovative technologies that enable eye care professionals to better address the evolving needs of their patients.
“The ELIOS system offers a differentiated approach for the treatment of glaucoma, a condition expected to increase in prevalence by 47% from 2020 to 2040.”
In October, Bausch + Lomb received approval from the FDA for its full range of enVista Envy vision intraocular lenses.
