FDA approves Alcon’s AcrySof IQ ReStor intraocular lens

Novartis‘ (NYSE:NVS) eye care business, Alcon, said today that it won FDA approval for its AcrySof IQ ReStor multifocal toric intraocular lens. The lens treats presbyopia and pre-existing corneal astigmatism in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery.

The AcrySof IQ ReStor intraocular lens is already commercially available in the E.U., Australia, Canada, parts of Central and South America and Asia.

“The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3.0D Multifocal Toric IOL is an important addition to our market-leading IOL portfolio, and broadens our offering of presbyopia- and astigmatism-correcting lenses to meet the different visual needs of patients,” Alcon’s region president for North America Sergio Duplan said in prepared remarks. “We are committed to delivering ongoing innovation that enables surgeons to provide the best possible outcome for their patients.”

Alcon said it expects to commercialize the lens in the U.S. on a rolling basis starting in the 1st quarter of 2017.

“Correcting presbyopia and astigmatism, with one lens, at the time of cataract surgery is a great benefit to patients and can improve patient satisfaction,” Dr. Stephen Lane, medical director at the University of Minnesota, explained. “The introduction of this advanced technology IOL gives us an additional treatment option to help reduce dependence on spectacles for patients with astigmatism.”

Last month, reports surfaced that Novartis may be considering a divesture of Alcon. The eye care business’ sales have been shrinking and it posted losses for the 1st 9 months of the year.

“All options are open in the future. In the long run, the question arises as to whether we are the best owner for Alcon,” chairman Joerg Reinhardt told Swiss weekly SonntagsZeitung in an interview.

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