Alcon to acquire LumiThera and its photobiomodulation device for the treatment of dry AMD

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/MichaelVi)

Alcon is continuing its trend of acquisitions in 2025 with the recent announcement that the company will acquire LumiThera, Inc. and its photobiomodulation (PBM) device for the treatment of early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Earlier this year, Alcon announced it acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, a clinical-stage company developing advanced cell therapies to treat eye diseases, and intends to acquire LENSAR, including the ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser Treatment System, LENSAR’s proprietary Streamline software technology, and the LENSAR legacy laser system. Both deals are expected to close in mid-to-late 2025.

Sean Clark, vice president and general manager of the global surgical franchise at Alcon, commented on the planned acquisition of LumiThera in a press release from the company.

“For more than 25 years, Alcon has been a leader in vitreoretinal surgery, and we are excited to expand our offerings into the clinic, to help millions of people living with dry AMD gain vision,” said Clark. “Dry AMD is an area of significant unmet need, and PBM is an efficacious, non-invasive light therapy that can provide visual improvement for patients with early and intermediate disease. With Alcon’s global commercial and clinical expertise, we have the potential to make this therapy more broadly available to eye care professionals and their patients, while continuing to strengthen its body of clinical evidence.”

According to the company, LumiThera’s PBM is the only device that has demonstrated meaningful vision improvement compared to baseline for people living with early to intermediate dry AMD.

PBM uses low-level light to stimulate mitochondrial energy production, promoting retinal cellular health. It uses 3 specific, science-backed wavelengths to deliver non-phototoxic light therapy (not laser therapy). The noninvasive treatments are administered in a clinic setting.

Clark Tedford, PhD, president and CEO of LumiThera, commented on the device in a press release, saying, “Our PBM device provides a non-invasive treatment for dry AMD patients that can improve vision and address the disease earlier, before permanent vision loss. We are thrilled that Alcon agrees in the potential that this device has to change the lives of millions living with dry AMD, and we are confident that Alcon has the capabilities to broadly commercialize it.

Data from the LIGHTSITE I, II, and III clinical trials conducted by LumiThera showed that PBM treatments provide visual acuity improvement with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported. The pivotal LIGHTSITE III study was conducted at 10 sites across the U.S. and evaluated two years of PBM treatment versus a control light therapy.

Results from the trial showed that patients with PBM-treated eyes gained one line of visual acuity (ETDRS) from baseline at months13 and, 21 and maintained at month 24. Additionally, about 88% of patients in the PBM group maintained or gained vision versus baseline at month 24.

The companies noted that the planned acquisition does not include the acquisition of AdaptDx and Nova/Diopsys diagnostic devices. Those devices are planned to be separated andspun offf to LumiThera’s shareholders prior to Alcon’s acquisition and will continue to be marketed and sold by the LumiThera spin-off. The companies anticipate the acquisition to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.

References:

1. Alcon to acquire LumiThera and its photobiomodulation device for the treatment of early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Published July 7, 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.alcon.com/media-release/alcon-acquire-lumithera-and-its-photobiomodulation-device-treatment-early-and/

2. Harp MD. Alcon acquires majority interest in Aurion Biotech. Published March 27, 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/alcon-acquires-majority-interest-in-aurion-biotech

3. Harp MD. Alcon agrees to purchase LENSAR. Published March 25, 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/alcon-agrees-to-purchase-lensar

4. Hutton D. LIGHTSITE III trial data demonstrates improvement in vision in intermediate dry AMD. Published June 23, 2022. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/lightsite-iii-trial-data-demonstrates-improvement-in-vision-in-intermediate-dry-amd