Media Contact:
Kristy Marks
kristy.marks@bausch.com
(908) 927-0683
BAUSCH + LOMB ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH MODULIGHT TO DEVELOP NEW PHOTODYNAMIC LASER
Laser to be Developed Specifically for Use with Bausch + Lomb’s VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection)
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Dec. 4, 2018 – Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, and Modulight, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of lasers and optics for personalized medicine, today announced the companies have entered into an exclusive agreement to collaborate and develop a new laser specifically designed for use with Bausch + Lomb’s VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection) photodynamic therapy (PDT).
“PDT continues to be an important option for eye care professionals who treat choroidal neovascularization in patients who suffer from persistent disease activity, but the availability of lasers capable of delivering this type of treatment in the industry has been limited,” said Tracy Valorie, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Pharmaceuticals and Surgical, Bausch + Lomb. “We have entered this agreement with Modulight, an industry expert in developing medical laser technology, to provide customers a new laser system that is specifically designed for VISUDYNE and ultimately will allow more eligible patients to receive the treatment they need.”
VISUDYNE is an injectable photosensitizer drug that is indicated for the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis. VISUDYNE is activated through use of a photodynamic laser via direct laser excitation, delivering a targeted approach that specifically destroys abnormal choroidal blood vessels to help prevent further disease progression and help patients maintain their vision.¹
“Modulight works closely with healthcare companies to customize its broad portfolio of laser technology solutions to specifically address their needs,” said Seppo Orsila, executive chairman, Modulight.
“Bausch + Lomb has identified a significant need in the ophthalmic industry and we believe this is a great opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art photodynamic laser to allow customers to continue to provide this type of therapy for their patients. We look forward to a strong promising collaboration."
INDICATION
Visudyne® (verteporfin for injection) therapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Visudyne® (verteporfin for injection) is contraindicated for patients with porphyria or known hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.
- Standard precautions should be taken during infusion of VISUDYNE to avoid extravasation, including but not limited to:
- A free-flowing intravenous (IV) line should be established before starting VISUDYNE infusion and the line should be carefully monitored.
- A free-flowing intravenous (IV) line should be established before starting VISUDYNE infusion and the line should be carefully monitored.
- Due to the possibly fragility of vein walls of some elderly patients, it is strongly recommended that the largest arm vein possible, preferably the antecubital, be used for injection.
- Small veins in the back of the hand should be avoided.
- Extravasation of VISUDYNE, especially if the affected area is exposed to light, can cause severe pain, inflammation, swelling or discoloration at the injection site. If extravasation does occur, the infusion should be stopped immediately. The extravasation area must be thoroughly protected from direct light until swelling and discoloration have faded in order to prevent the occurrence of local burn, which could be severe. Cold compresses should be applied to the injection site. Oral medication for pain relief may be administered.
- Following injection with VISUDYNE, care should be taken to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. If emergency surgery is necessary within 48 hours after treatment, as much of the internal tissue as possible should be protected from intense light.
- Patients who experience severe decrease of vision of 4 lines or more within 1 week after treatment should not be retreated, at least until their vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully considered by the treating physician.
- The most frequently reported adverse events (occurring in approximately 10%-30% of patients) were injection site reactions (including pain, edema, inflammation, extravasation, rashes, hemorrhage, and discoloration), and visual disturbances (including blurred vision, flashes of light, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects, including scotoma).
Please see full Prescribing Information for Visudyne® (location) or Click here for full Prescribing Information for Visudyne®
About Modulight
Modulight, Inc. is a leading biomedical laser company for genetics, oncology, and ophthalmology. Modulight products are used by many pharmaceutical companies as well as leading cancer centers in the world to cure, develop, and diagnose the most demanding indications and therapies. While the majority of Modulight’s products are sold in the United States, the company is proud of their loyal customer base spanning over the entire globe. Modulight’s support extends beyond the hardware – every week Modulight lasers are installed, trained and calibrated in various hospitals around the world. Visit www.modulight.com for more information.
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies Inc., is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on helping people see better to live better. Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.bausch.com.
References
1. VISUDYNE [package insert], Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
###
VISUDYNE is a registered trademark of Novartis AG used under license. Any other product/brand names are trademarks of the respective owners. © 2018 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. VID.0040.USA.18
United States
