Ophthalmology Times Staff Reports

Aton Pharma Inc. has launched an authorized generic version of its timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution (Timoptic-XE). The non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent is indicated in the treatment of elevated IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The company also will continue to make available timolol maleate under the brand name.

Bausch + Lomb has relaunched its multipurpose contact lens solution (renu fresh) in a clear bottle designed to enable users to see exactly how much solution is remaining.

The Jakarta, Indonesia, ophthalmic lens manufacturing plant of Vision-Ease Lens (VEL) sustained damage from a major fire in November.

NeoVista Inc.'s new epimacular brachytherapy system (Vidion Anti-Neovascular Surgical System) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration is now available in the United Kingdom

In an effort to increase patient adherence to therapy and safety, as well as to maximize effectiveness, two eye-health products (Macular Health Formula and Dry Eye Formula, EyeScience) are sold to both eye-care professionals for resale from their offices and through a mass market retailer.

Manus C. Kraff, MD, of Chicago is the 2009 recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Benjamin Rush Award for Citizenship and Community Service.

OD-OS has received FDA 510(k) clearance and CE mark approval for its recently released navigated retina laser therapy system (Navilas).

The FDA has reopened a public docket to receive information and comments about LASIK devices, it was reported in the Nov. 13 Federal Register. The agency will accept remarks until Nov. 15, 2010.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has stopped recognizing code Q2024 to pay for the office-based ophthalmic use of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech).

Carl Zeiss Meditec introduced its new suite of treatment workflow and data management systems at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Lumenis Ltd. introduced an ophthalmic laser delivery technology and slit lamp biomicroscope system (InSight) at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

IRIDEX Corp. launched a dual-port ophthalmic green laser photocoagulator (IQ 532) and a modular multi-wavelength laser photocoagulator at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Topcon Medical Systems Inc. introduced a new image management and sharing software suite (EyeRoute) at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Ellex Medical Lasers Ltd. unveiled the latest version of its diagnostic ultrasound system (Eye Cubed) at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

A major gift from an Omaha, NE, ophthalmologist will help fund construction of an eye institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

MacuSight has received fast-track designation from the FDA for its proprietary ocular sirolimus (Perceiva) product for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Abbott Laboratories has completed its acquisition of privately held eye-care company Visiogen, adding to its vision-care business an accommodating IOL technology (Synchrony) designed to address presbyopia in patients with cataracts.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled in favor of Allergan Inc. in its patent infringement lawsuit against two sets of defendants seeking to market purported generic versions of the company?s formulations of brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15% (Alphagan P) for ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Specifically, the court ruled that Allergan's five patents related to the ophthalmic solutions are valid and enforceable.

Notal Vision has sold its clinic-based preferential hyperacuity perimeter (Foresee PHP) business to Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments.

"Through My Eyes: The Charlie Kelman Story," a 1-hour documentary about the ophthalmologist who developed the phacoemulsification technique of cataract removal, will premiere nationwide on public television Jan. 20, 2010, at 9 p.m.

I-Therapeutix has changed its name to Ocular Therapeutix.

Three hundred events in more than 50 countries will mark this year's World Sight Day, Oct. 8.

Several subsidiaries of Bausch & Lomb have been granted rights from CROMA Pharma GmbH to co-promote and sell bromfenac ophthalmic solution in Europe when it becomes available to that market, announced Bausch & Lomb.

Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) has launched a new online ordering service (AMOeasy, www.amoeasy.com) whereby customers can order the company?s implants and other cataract-related products as well as track orders at any time of day.

Pieris AG and Allergan will collaborate in the development of agents to treat serious ocular disorders, Pieris has announced.

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to a new digital fundus camera (TRC-NW7SF Mark II, Topcon Medical Systems), according to its manufacturer.

The FDA has approved a new drug application (NDA) for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan, Sirion Therapeutics) as a treatment for acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers), the company announced.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals has announced preliminary results from two recently completed studies of its investigational eye drop, prednisolone acetate 1.0% and tobramycin 0.3% (T-Pred).

Travis Meredith, MD, has been elected as the new president of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), which is composed of department chairmen, residency directors, and research directors of ophthalmology departments in the United States and Canada, according to a prepared statement.

Bausch & Lomb intends to consolidate its worldwide contact lens manufacturing and proposes to begin moving most of its global contact lens production to its existing sites in Waterford, Ireland, and Rochester, NY, according to a prepared statement. ??