Healthcare Industry News: intraocular lens
News Release - September 10, 2007
AMO Introduces Three Advanced Refractive Technologies to European Market
TECNIS(R) 1-Piece IOL, TECNIS(R) Multifocal Acrylic IOL, and WhiteStar Signature(TM) Phacoemulsification System Expand AMO's European Portfolio of Advanced Refractive TechnologiesSTOCKHOLM, Sweden--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) (NYSE:EYE ) today announced from the XXV Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) the launch of three new refractive technologies to the European market. The new TECNIS® 1-Piece intraocular lens (IOL) and the TECNIS® Multifocal acrylic IOL are being introduced for the first time in any market, while the WhiteStar Signature(TM) phacoemulsification system, launched in the U.S. in April, 2007 at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), will now be available to the European market.
The launches mark the continued expansion of AMO's advanced product portfolio offering eye care professionals a "Complete Refractive Solution."
TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL
The TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL's innovative design and ease-of-use enhancements combine with the proven TECNIS® IOL benefits to deliver another IOL with claims of reduced spherical aberration and improved functional vision. By targeting zero spherical aberration, TECNIS® lenses are designed to provide rejuvenated vision, more like that of a younger adult with no spherical aberrations.
The TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL design combines two ground-breaking design advancements. The innovative ProTec(TM) 360-degree edge design has an uninterrupted barrier edge designed to minimize cell migration onto the posterior capsule. Unlike first generation one-piece lenses, the TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL has no interruption at the haptic-optic junction. The lens also has a frosted edge designed to minimize edge glare. The TECNIS® IOL Tri-Fix(TM) design provides three-point fixation for exceptional stability. Refraction stabilizes quickly after the implantation procedure and remains stable after post-operative refraction.
"My expectations after 20 years for IOL performance are very high," said Donald R. Nixon, MD FRSC C. "The TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL has surpassed these expectations, especially for visual outcomes and optic clarity. In addition, this new generation one-piece design has responded to the issues associated with existing one-piece IOLs."
Made of a hydrophobic acrylic material that blocks UV light, the TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL transmits the healthy blue light needed for improved scotopic (dim light) vision and healthy circadian rhythms. With its simple, one-piece design and reduced center thickness, it is easy to implant with bag-friendly coplanar delivery and gently unfolding haptics.
AMO expects to launch the TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL in the U.S. in the first half of 2008.
TECNIS® Multifocal Acrylic IOL
The TECNIS® Multifocal IOL, a lens that has been available in a silicone material for three years, is now available in a hydrophobic acrylic material in Europe. The hydrophobic acrylic material helps lower chromatic dispersion for improved vision and the lens uses a patented, wavefront-designed aspheric surface to compensate for spherical aberration of the cornea. By offering both advancements, TECNIS® Multifocal IOL is the only lens on the market that is designed to correct the two highest-order aberrations - spherical aberration and chromatic aberration.
"The new TECNIS® Multifocal acrylic IOL combines the outstanding visual performance benefits of the TECNIS® Multifocal optic design with a proven hydrophobic acrylic material that provides unmatched clarity," said Michael Knorz, MD. "I am looking forward to my clinical experience to confirm the benefits of this new premium presbyopia correcting IOL."
In addition to spherical and chromatic aberration correction, the lens offers other significant benefits. The lens' full diffractive posterior surface allows a full range of quality vision, independent of pupil size. This also allows the lens to perform exceptionally well in low-light situations.
The launch of the TECNIS® Multifocal acrylic lens further strengthens the portfolio of advanced vision-correction technologies available through AMO's CustomMatch(TM) Solution. The CustomMatch(TM) Personalized Multifocal Vision Solution offers physicians the option to use TECNIS® bilateral diffractive IOLs, ReZoom(TM) bilateral refractive IOLs, or a combination of both to provide the best vision solution to meet the patient's lifestyle.
Made of a hydrophobic acrylic material that blocks UV light, both the TECNIS® 1-Piece and TECNIS® Multifocal acrylic IOLs transmit the healthy blue light needed for improved scotopic (dim light) vision and healthy circadian rhythms.
WhiteStar Signature(TM) System
The new WhiteStar Signature(TM) system combines the safety and efficiency of proven WhiteStar® technology with the ultimate chamber stability of revolutionary Fusion(TM) Fluidics. A streamlined user interface and easy-to-use accessories enhance the efficiency of the operating room environment.
This system provides the ultimate chamber stability and effectively reduces post-occlusion surge by a significant margin. Fusion(TM) Fluidics contains advanced chamber stability safety features; its high flow and vacuum capabilities provides a peristaltic flow of up to 60 cc/min and maximum vacuum of 650 mmHg.
Other features of the WhiteStar Signature(TM) System include a one-step auto-loading tubing pack, a faster prime cycle, a touch screen designed to be more intuitive, a wireless foot pedal, voice confirmation and greater ease of programming. It also offers a surgical media center with real-time blending of system data and surgical video, customized viewing of procedures and data, high-definition, customizable presentation capability and a frame-by-frame teaching tool.
"The WhiteStar Signature(TM) system builds upon AMO's outstanding tradition in phacoemulsification technology, with the introduction of the new Fusion(TM) Fluidics with even better surge control," said Roger Steinert, MD. "These innovations, along with new user-friendly interfaces, elevate the WhiteStar Signature(TM) system to an entirely new level with support for both current and future surgical techniques."
"These products are excellent examples of our investment in research and development producing innovative new technologies, whether building off of an existing platform such as with the WhiteStar Signature(TM) system and TECNIS® Multifocal IOL, or in developing a brand new technology like the TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL," said AMO Chairman, President and CEO Jim Mazzo. "Each of the products launching at ESCRS include design innovations and advancements that will allow our customers to optimize their patient's vision and lifestyle experiences."
The TECNIS® 1-Piece IOL, TECNIS® Multifocal acrylic IOL, and the WhiteStar Signature(TM) phacoemulsification system will be commercially available in Europe in September, 2007.
About Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)
AMO develops advanced, life-improving vision technologies for people of all ages. Products in the cataract/implant line include intraocular lenses (IOLs), phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related products used in ocular surgery. AMO owns or has the rights to such product brands as ReZoom(TM), TECNIS®, Clariflex®, Sensar®, and Verisyse® IOLs, Sovereign®, Sovereign® Compact, and WHITESTAR Signature(TM) phacoemulsification systems with WHITESTAR® Technology, Healon® viscoelastics, and the Baerveldt® glaucoma shunt. Products in the laser vision correction line include wavefront diagnostic devices, femtosecond lasers and associated patient interface devices, and excimer laser vision correction systems and treatment cards. AMO brands in the laser vision correction business include Star S4 IR®, WaveScan Wavefront®, CustomVue®, IntraLase® FS, IntraLase Method(TM) and IntraLasik®. Products in the contact lens care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic cleaners and lens rewetting drops. Among the eye care product brands the company possesses are COMPLETE®, COMPLETE® Blink-N-Clean®, Consept®F, Consept® 1 Step, Oxysept® 1 Step, UltraCare®, Ultrazyme®, Total Care(TM) and blink(TM) branded products.
AMO is based in Santa Ana, California, and employs approximately 4,200 people worldwide. The company has operations in 24 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit the company's website at www.amo-inc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AMO, including statements of Dr. Nixon, Dr. Knorz, Dr. Steinert and Mr. Mazzo and those relating to the launch, features and benefits of the products. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on estimates and assumptions and represent AMO's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors including but not limited to market developments, expanded clinical experience, unexpected delays in manufacturing, and unexpected regulatory, intellectual property or quality issues. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. AMO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors may be found in previous press releases issued by AMO and AMO's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in AMO's 2006 Form 10-K filed in March 2007 and Form 10-Q filed in August 2007. Copies of press releases and additional information about AMO are available at www.amo-inc.com.
Source: Advanced Medical Optics
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