• “To compare keratocyte density in corneal stromal layers in keratoconus, post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) keratectasia, uncomplicated post-LASIK cases, and normal unoperated corneas by confocal scan.”¹

Researchers from the Shahid Beheshti University and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, in Tehran, Iran; have presented an article titled: “Comparison of Keratocyte Density Between Keratoconus, Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Keratectasia, and Uncomplicated Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Cases. A Confocal Scan Study.”

The LASIK eye surgeons and researchers from Tehran have concluded:

• “Mean keratocyte density in post-LASIK keratectasia and uncomplicated post-LASIK cases was lower than that in normal unoperated group.”
• “Given the different distribution of keratocytes between the stromal layers in the 2 LASIK groups, there was a nonhomogenous distribution of keratocytes in stromal layers in post-LASIK keratectasia.”
• “A homogenous distribution of keratocytes in uncomplicated post-LASIK cases may be a factor in prevention of corneal ectasia.”

The researchers from Tehran have also noted:

• “Thirty-one unscarred corneas from 22 patients with keratoconus, 24 clear corneas from 17 cases with post-LASIK keratectasia, 12 corneas from 7 uncomplicated post-LASIK cases, and 26 corneas from 13 normal unoperated cases were evaluated by using confocal scan.”
• “None of the cases were contact lens wearers.”
• “Keratocyte densities were determined in 3 stromal layers in each cornea and compared with densities in the corresponding layers of normal unoperated corneas.”
• “There was no difference in mean keratocyte density at 3 stromal layers between keratoconic and normal unoperated corneas.”
• “In post-LASIK keratectasia, keratocyte density in the anterior and posterior stromal layers was significantly lower than that in normal unoperated group.”
• “In uncomplicated post-LASIK cases, the keratocyte density at 3 stromal layers was lower than that in normal unoperated group.”
• “No difference in keratocyte density was found between post-LASIK keratectasia and uncomplicated post-LASIK cases.”
• “Furthermore, in post-LASIK keratectasia, there was a meaningful difference in keratocyte density between the anterior and posterior and between the middle and posterior stromal layers; such a difference was not observed in the uncomplicated post-LASIK cases.”

(1) Javadi MA, Kanavi MR, Mahdavi M, Yaseri M, Rabiei HM, Javadi A, Sajjadi SH: Comparison of Keratocyte Density Between Keratoconus, Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Keratectasia, and Uncomplicated Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Cases. A Confocal Scan Study. Cornea. 2009 Jul 1; (Article in Press)

Tags: afer LASIK cell-rich stromal layer contact lens ketatocyte density post LASIK unscarred

Tessera Technologies Inc has reported that it “… will be exhibiting a range of its miniaturization technologies, from advanced semiconductor packaging solutions to micro-optic illumination system solutions, at SEMICON West, July 13-17, 2009.”

More from a Release dated July 07, sourced from Tessera:

Tessera to Exhibit at SEMICON West 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tessera Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:TSRA) will be exhibiting a range of its miniaturization technologies, from advanced semiconductor packaging solutions to micro-optic illumination system solutions, at SEMICON West, July 13-17, 2009.

μPILR™ interconnect technology enables finer contact pitch, lower profile, improved performance and higher reliability for package-on-package (PoP) applications and other mobile electronics

DigitalOptics™ micro-optic solutions offer high-performance diffractive optics for semiconductor manufacturing and inspection tools including free-form, pixilated designs for source mask optimization

WHERE:

SEMICON West 2009 Booth #722, South Hall (semiconductor packaging)

Booth #6159, North Hall (micro-optics)

Moscone Center

747 Howard Street

San Francisco, California

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those projected, particularly with respect to Tessera’s participation in the SEMICON West show, the subject matter of any Tessera exhibit, and the functionality and performance of Tessera’s miniaturization technologies. Material factors that may cause results to differ from the statements made include delays, setbacks or losses relating to our intellectual property or intellectual property litigations, or any invalidation or limitation of our key patents; fluctuations in our operating results due to the timing of new license agreements and royalties, or due to legal costs; changes in patent laws, regulation or enforcement, or other factors that might affect our ability to protect our intellectual property; the risk of a decline in demand for semiconductor products; failure by the industry to adopt our technologies; competing technologies; the future expiration of our patents; the future expiration of our license agreements and the cessation of related royalty income; the failure or refusal of licensees to pay royalties; failure to achieve the growth prospects and synergies expected from acquisition transactions; and delays and challenges associated with integrating acquired companies with our existing businesses. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Tessera’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, include more information about factors that could affect the company’s financial results. Tessera assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release. Although this release may remain available on Tessera’s website or elsewhere, its continued availability does not indicate that Tessera is reaffirming or confirming any of the information contained herein.

About Tessera

Tessera Technologies, Inc., invests in, licenses and delivers innovative miniaturization technologies for next-generation electronic devices. The company’s micro-electronics solutions enable smaller, higher-functionality devices through chip-scale, 3D and wafer-level packaging technology, as well as high-density substrate and silent air cooling technology. Tessera’s imaging and optics solutions provide low-cost, high-quality camera functionality in electronic products and include image sensor packaging, wafer-level optics and image enhancement intellectual property. The company also offers customized micro-optic lenses, from diffractive and refractive optical elements to integrated micro-optical subassemblies. Tessera licenses its technologies, as well as delivers products based on these technologies, to promote the development of the supply chain infrastructure. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California. For information call 1.408.321.6000 or go to www.tessera.com.

Tessera, the Tessera logo, μPILR and DigitalOptics are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tessera, Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other company, brand and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
…

Tags: advanced semiconductor customized micro-optic lenses high performance illumination system inspection tools mask micro optics miniaturization technologies mobile electronics moscone center optic solutions packaging solutions semicon west semiconductor manufacturing system solutions

Foresight Biotherapeutics Inc has reported that “… data from a pre-clinical study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the topical administration of FST-100 in a highly regarded Ad5 NZW rabbit model of adenoviral conjunctivitis. FST-100 demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant reduction in signs of adenoviral conjunctivitis versus all other groups including the current experimental “gold standard”, topical cidofovir. The study was conducted at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center, LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, Louisiana by Professor James M. Hill and colleagues, in the Departments of Pharmacology, Microbiology, Ophthalmology and Neuroscience.

More from a Release dated July 09, sourced from Foresight Biotherapeutics:

Foresight Biotherapeutics Announces FST-100 Displays Robust Clinical Improvement in Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Model

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Foresight Biotherapeutics, Inc. today announced data from a pre-clinical study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the topical administration of FST-100 in a highly regarded Ad5 NZW rabbit model of adenoviral conjunctivitis. FST-100 demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant reduction in signs of adenoviral conjunctivitis versus all other groups including the current experimental “gold standard”, topical cidofovir. The study was conducted at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center, LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, Louisiana by Professor James M. Hill and colleagues, in the Departments of Pharmacology, Microbiology, Ophthalmology and Neuroscience.

The randomized controlled study was conducted in 40 eyes of 20 rabbits experimentally inoculated with human adenovirus type 5. The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of topically administered FST-100 compared to both active controls and to placebo. Animals were randomized 1:1:1:1 (5 rabbits per group) to FST-100, topical 0.5% cidofovir, Tobradex® (tobramycin/dexamethasone) ophthalmic suspension and placebo. Treatment began one day after viral inoculation and continued for 8 days. Eyes were scored daily for clinical parameters including conjunctival inflammation, fragility of ocular blood vessels, purulent discharge, eyelid inflammation, and excessive tearing. Daily viral titer data using a plaque reduction assay are currently undergoing analysis.

The study concluded that FST-100 was superior to all other arms of the study. Dramatic clinical improvement was seen in some treated rabbits as early as 48 hours after the first dose of FST-100. Complete clinical resolution was observed in all FST-100 treated eyes. No other group reached complete clinical resolution. Specifically, treatment with cidofovir, Tobradex® or placebo resulted in injected and inflamed corneas, eyelid and conjunctival inflammation and injection with sub-conjunctival heme.

Professor Hill commented, “This set of data using FST-100 in this very challenging animal model of adenoviral conjunctivitis is highly encouraging. Specifically, no other drug that I have tested has provided such dramatic clinical efficacy, indicating that further studies in human adenoviral conjunctivitis are certainly warranted.”

About Foresight Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Foresight Biotherapeutics is a drug development company focused on diseases of the eye and ear. The company’s website is: www.foresightbiotherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements

The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of Foresight relating to matters that are not historical facts (including without limitation those regarding the timing or potential outcomes of research collaborations or clinical trials, any market that might develop for any of Foresight’s product candidates are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the likelihood that future research will prove successful, the likelihood that any product in the research pipeline will receive regulatory approval in the United States or abroad, the ability of Foresight and/or its partners to develop, manufacture and commercialize, Foresight’s ability to fund such efforts with or without partners, and other risks.
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Tags: adenovirus type cidofovir clinical improvement conjunctivitis efficacy foresight health science center louisiana louisiana state university lsu eye center lsu health science center new orleans new york business ophthalmology rabbit model randomized controlled study topical administration

Alcon Inc based in Huenenberg, Switzerland, and NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc based in Emeryville, California, have reported “… that Alcon has begun treating patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial of NovaBay’s patented lead Aganocide® compound, NVC-422, for viral conjunctivitis, a type of “pink eye.” Conjunctivitis is a pervasive and painful condition that affects both adults and children, leading to more than four million doctor and emergency room visits in the United States each year.”

More from a Release dated July 2, sourced from Alcon Inc and NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc:

Alcon Discontinues Development of Anecortave Acetate for Intraocular Pressure Reduction

Alcon Commences Phase 2 Clinical Trial of NovaBay’s NVC-422 for Viral Conjunctivitis

EMERYVILLE, Calif. & HUENENBERG, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul. 5, 2009– Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL) and its partner, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE-AMEX: NBY), announced today that Alcon has begun treating patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial of NovaBay’s patented lead Aganocide® compound, NVC-422, for viral conjunctivitis, a type of “pink eye.” Conjunctivitis is a pervasive and painful condition that affects both adults and children, leading to more than four million doctor and emergency room visits in the United States each year.

NovaBay has a licensing and research collaboration agreement with Alcon, the world’s leading eye care company, for use of its Aganocide® compounds in the eye, ear and sinus, and in contact lens solutions.

Developed by NovaBay to mimic the body’s defense against infection, Aganocides® are proprietary synthetic analogs of the same molecules used by white blood cells to destroy harmful microbes in the body, such as viruses and bacteria. Because of their natural mechanism of action, NovaBay believes that Aganocide® compounds have a low potential for generating microbial resistance, offering a potential solution to the problem of rising resistance of microbes to traditional antibiotics.

The Phase 2 viral conjunctivitis study follows a recently completed Phase 1 trial in which safety and tolerability were successfully demonstrated in 120 healthy volunteers with no reported serious adverse events.

“We are pleased to be entering mid-stage clinical testing for viral conjunctivitis,” said Ron Najafi, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of NovaBay. “This is the first step in the ophthalmic clinical development program for NVC-422, which has the immediate goal of developing the first effective product to address viral conjunctivitis for which there are limited treatment options.”

The Phase 2 multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is designed to determine the safety and efficacy of NVC-422 in people with viral conjunctivitis. The study calls for enrolling approximately 250 patients at more than 30 medical centers, mostly in the United States.

“This study is an important step forward with the clinical program for this potentially dual-acting therapy to address the multiple causes of conjunctivitis. Dual action against viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is important because when an infection is diagnosed it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to determine the underlying cause of the infection and treat it properly,” said Dr. Sabri Markabi, M.D., Alcon’s senior vice president of research and development and chief medical officer.

About Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, which can result from either viral or bacterial infection, is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and forms the inside lining of the eyelid. The viral disease is principally caused by adenoviruses, but also can be caused by other viruses, such as enterovirus. There is no specific treatment for adenoviral conjunctivitis, which can take up to three weeks or longer to clear on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a variety of bacteria and is largely treated with topically applied antibiotic eye drops. Regular innovation to develop newer antibiotics is required because over time antibiotics may encounter increasing bacterial resistance.

About Aganocide® Compounds

The Aganocide® compounds are novel, proprietary, synthetic N-chlorinated antimicrobial molecules specifically developed by NovaBay to mimic the body’s natural defense against infection. The Aganocide® compounds maintain the biological activities while improving the stability of naturally occurring N-chlorinated antimicrobial molecules. These highly differentiated compounds may deliver the same or better efficacy than currently used antibiotics without contributing to the growing rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. In preclinical testing, the Aganocide® compounds have been shown to be highly effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. They also have been demonstrated to be effective against bacteria in biofilms, which render most antibiotics ineffective. Aganocides have a broad therapeutic index while providing a high degree of potency, good tolerability as well as dosing versatility and flexibility.

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.3 billion in 2008. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. For more information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company’s web site at www.alcon.com.

About NovaBay

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is a mid-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing its proprietary and patented Aganocide® compounds, which are novel, synthetic anti-infective product candidates that are bioequivalent to the active antimicrobial molecules generated within white blood cells to treat and prevent a wide range of infections without causing bacterial resistance. NovaBay has internal development programs aimed at addressing hospital and respiratory infections. The company has a licensing and research collaboration agreement with Alcon, Inc. for use of its Aganocide® compounds to treat eye, ear and sinus infections as well as in contact lens care solutions. NovaBay has also entered into an agreement with Galderma S.A. to develop and commercialize Aganocides in acne, impetigo and other dermatological indications. NovaBay® and Aganocide® are trademarks of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For more information on NovaBay, visit: www.novabaypharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release regarding NovaBay’s and Alcon’s expectations regarding the clinical trial and the potential efficacy of Aganocide® compounds are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward- looking statements reflect the views of the management of NovaBay and Alcon as of the date of this press release with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to significant risks and uncertainties (many of which are outside of NovaBay’s or Alcon’s control), including the risk that FDA or other regulatory review may delay or prevent the development of Aganocide® compounds, and those detailed in the NovaBay’s and Alcon’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.

…

Tags: ALCON antibiotic resistant infections common viral conjunctivitis contact lens solutions novel antiviral drugs pink eye

Genentech Inc has indicated that ranibizumab injection may improve vision in patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion.

More from a Release dated July 2:

Phase III Study Showed Lucentis Improved Vision in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

– Study Showed Early and Sustained Improvement in Vision Through Six Months –

South San Francisco, Calif. — July 2, 2009 — Genentech, Inc. announced today that the Phase III study BRAVO showed Lucentis® (ranibizumab injection) improved vision, as measured by the primary endpoint of mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity at six months, in patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion. The safety profile of Lucentis was consistent with previous experience and no new adverse events related to Lucentis were observed in the study. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common cause of vision loss that occurs when blood flow through a retinal vein becomes blocked, such as by a blood clot.

BRAVO evaluated the safety and efficacy of six monthly injections of Lucentis compared to monthly sham injections. The two doses of Lucentis studied showed a statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (the best vision a person can achieve with an eyeglass or contact lens prescription) at six months compared to sham. Full results will be presented at the Retina Congress, September 30 to October 4, 2009, in New York.

“RVO is a devastating disease and there are no FDA-approved medicines shown to improve vision for six months,” said Hal Barron, M.D., executive vice president, Global Development and chief medical officer, Genentech. “We are excited that another pivotal study has demonstrated the important role Lucentis can play in improving vision in people with difficult-to-treat eye disease, and look forward to the results of CRUISE, a Phase III trial in central-RVO in the third quarter of this year.”

About RVO
RVO occurs when blood flow through a retinal vein becomes blocked, causing swelling (macular edema) and hemorrhages in the retina, which may result in vision loss. Sudden blurring or vision loss in all or part of one eye is common with RVO. RVO can affect people across a wide range of ages, from young, working-aged adults to the elderly.

There are two main types of RVO: branch-RVO, which affects an estimated 684,000 people, and central-RVO, which affects an estimated 211,000 people in the United States.¹ Branch-RVO occurs when one of the branches of the main vein of the eye becomes blocked. Central-RVO occurs when the main vein of the eye, located at the optic nerve, becomes blocked.

About BRAVO (FVF4165g)
BRAVO is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham injection-controlled Phase III study, designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Lucentis in treating macular edema secondary to branch-RVO. Patients (n=397) were enrolled at 93 clinical trial sites across the United States.

The 12-month study consists of a six-month, sham-controlled treatment period, followed by a six-month observation period (during which all participants were eligible to receive Lucentis as needed). During the first six-month period, participants received monthly injections of one of two different doses (0.3 mg or 0.5 mg) of Lucentis (n=265) or monthly sham injections (n=132). The study was not designed to compare the two doses of Lucentis. Rescue laser treatment was available starting at month three to all patients meeting pre-specified criteria. The primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity score at six months compared to sham.

About Lucentis
Lucentis is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lucentis is the only FDA-approved treatment for wet AMD proven to improve or maintain vision. In wet AMD clinical trials, Lucentis administered monthly demonstrated an improvement in vision of three lines or more on the study eye chart in up to 41 percent of patients at two years. Nearly all patients (90 percent) in those trials treated monthly with Lucentis maintained vision.

Lucentis is designed to bind to and inhibit VEGF-A, a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and the hyperpermeability (leakiness) of the vessels. In RVO, angiogenesis and hyperpermeability can lead to macular edema, the swelling and thickening of the macula, which is the portion of the eye responsible for fine, detailed central vision.

Lucentis is a prescription medication given by injection into the eye. Lucentis has been associated with detached retina and serious eye infection and should not be used in patients who have an infection in or around the eye. Increases in eye pressure have been seen within one hour of an injection. Although uncommon, conditions associated with eye- and non-eye-related blood clots (arterial thromboembolic events) may occur. Serious side effects included inflammation inside the eye and, rarely, effects related to the injection procedure such as cataract. The most common non-eye-related side effects were nose and throat infection, headache, and respiratory and urinary tract infections. The most common eye-related side effects were the feeling that something is in a patient’s eye, and increased tears. If a patient’s eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or has a change in vision, they should seek immediate care from their eye doctor.

Please see the Lucentis Full Prescribing Information on http://www.LUCENTIS.com.

About Genentech
Founded more than 30 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

…
¹ Data on file, Genentech

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Tags: age-related macular degeneration angiogenesis blocked branch-RVO central-RVO main vein neovascular age-related macular degeneration therapy optic nerve VEGF-A wet AMD

• “… severe anterior uveitis may develop after LASIK and needs prompt and vigorous management for resolution.”¹

Researchers from Joseph Eye Hospital, in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India, have presented a report titled: “Fibrinous anterior uveitis following laser in situ keratomileusis.”

The scientists from Tiruchirapalli have reported that a twenty nine year old lady who opted for bilateral LASIK “… presented with severe pain, photophobia and decreased visual acuity in the left eye eight days after surgery.”

The researchers from Tiruchirapalli have also noted:

• “Examination revealed severe anterior uveitis with fibrinous exudates in the anterior chamber, flap edema and epithelial bullae.”
• “Laboratory investigations for uveitis were negative and the patient required systemic and intensive topical steroids with cycloplegics to control the inflammation.”

(1) Parmar P, Salman A, Rajmohan M, Jesudasan NC: Fibrinous anterior uveitis following laser in situ keratomileusis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 July-August;57(4):320-322.

Tags: epithelial bullae eye inflammation fibrinous reaction flap edema steroid eye drops Tamil Nadu

• “To compare the postoperative biomechanical properties of the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with myopia.”¹

Researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kitasato School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan; have presented an article titled: “Comparison of the Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties After Photorefractive Keratectomy and Laser In Situ Keratomileusis.”

The scientists from Kanagawa, Japan have concluded:

• “Both PRK and LASIK can affect the biomechanical strength of the cornea depending on the amount of myopic correction.”
• “The amount of biomechanical changes is larger after LASIK than after PRK.”
• “From a biomechanical viewpoint, PRK may be a less invasive surgical approach for the correction of myopia than LASIK.”

The researchers from Kanagawa, Japan; have also noted:

• “… examined 27 eyes of 16 patients undergoing PRK and 31 eyes of 16 patients undergoing LASIK for the correction of myopia.”
• “Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured with Ocular Response Analyzer before and 3 months after surgery.”
• “The CH was decreased significantly from 10.8 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- SD) mmHg to 9.2 +/- 1.6 mmHg after PRK (P < 0.001), and from 10.8 +/- 1.4 mmHg to 8.6 +/- 0.9 mmHg after LASIK (P < 0.001).”
• “The CRF was also decreased significantly, from 10.3 +/- 1.5 mmHg to 8.4 +/- 1.8 mmHg after PRK (P < 0.001), and from 10.3 +/- 1.5 mmHg to 7.7 +/- 1.3 mmHg after LASIK (P < 0.001).”
• “The amount of decrease in CH and CRF was significantly larger after LASIK than after PRK (P = 0.04).”
• “There was a significant correlation between the amount of myopic correction and changes in biomechanical properties after PRK (r = -0.61, P < 0.01 for CH, r = -0.41, P < 0.05 for CRF) and LASIK (r = -0.37, P < 0.05 for CH, r = -0.45, P < 0.05 for CRF).”

(1) Kamiya K, Shimizu K, Ohmoto F: Comparison of the Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties After Photorefractive Keratectomy and Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. Cornea. 2009 Jul 1; (Article in Press)

Tags: after LASIK after PRK biomechanical properties biomechanical strength biomechanics Kanagawa

• “With baby boomers aging, and despite a growing global population, there is a decreasing number of potential laser vision correction patients.”¹
• “Some believe that the worldwide economic downturn of these times will limit the number of potential patients as well.”

J Christopher Freeman OD, FAAO, Instructor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, Maryland; and Roy S Chuck MD, PhD, the Tom Clancy Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Refractive Surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute; have presented an article titled: “The next generation of LASIK patients.”

The researchers from the Wilmer Eye Institute have also noted:

• “The group known as generation Y contains a large number of individuals who may be candidates for laser vision correction.”
• “Traditional marketing efforts present challenges in reaching this particular population segment.”
• “Many individuals in this group are already patients of eye doctors for contact lenses and glasses and can be reached by these eye doctors to address candidacy and education of laser vision correction.”
• “Generation Y represents a large population segment that contains technology-embracing individuals who, although hard to reach with traditional marketing efforts, may be reached by fellow eye doctors already managing these patients.”
• “There are many in this age group who would be good laser vision correction candidates.”

(1) Freeman JC, Chuck RS: The next generation of LASIK patients. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2009 Jul;20(4):239-41.

Tags: aging baby boomers Baltimore challenges contact lenses decreasing number economic downturn education eye doctors gen x gen y generation X generation Y glasses global population growing hard to reach instructor Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine large population laser vision correction LASIK limit marketing efforts Maryland next generation ophthalmology patients population segment potential potential patients reaching technology-embracing traditional Wilmer Eye Institute worldwide

Alcon Inc based in Huenenberg, Switzerland, has reported “… that it has discontinued development of anecortave acetate for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma.”

More from a Release dated July 2, sourced from Alcon Investor Relations:

Alcon Discontinues Development of Anecortave Acetate for Intraocular Pressure Reduction

HUENENBERG, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) announced today that it has discontinued development of anecortave acetate for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma. The company recently reviewed interim efficacy and safety data from more than 200 patients in a large, controlled Phase 2 trial. These data confirmed previous pilot clinical results that anecortave acetate applied through a single anterior juxtascleral injection measurably reduced IOP for an extended period of time. However, based on a detailed analysis of the data, and after gaining input from a panel of expert clinical advisers, the company determined that the amount of IOP reduction and the responder rate provided by even the highest dose were not sufficient to support this novel approach as a viable way to address the problem of patient compliance with eye drop therapy.

The Phase 2 study was rigorously designed to evaluate the safety and three-month IOP-lowering efficacy of a single anterior juxtascleral injection of three doses of anecortave acetate (24mg, 48mg and 60mg) versus vehicle. The mean reduction in IOP from baseline for the 60mg dose was 3.8 mmHg, which was statistically significant versus vehicle. The mean reduction in IOP was not statistically significant versus vehicle for the other doses. The goal of the study was to determine if different doses of anecortave acetate could provide IOP reduction similar to existing topical medications but for a period of three months with a single injection.

“The search for alternative delivery routes and new mechanisms of action against glaucoma remain among Alcon’s most important research strategies,” said Sabri Markabi, MD, Alcon’s senior vice president of research and development and chief medical officer. “While the results show the possibility of alternative, longer term delivery for glaucoma patients, we are disappointed that anecortave acetate did not prove to have sufficient IOP reduction efficacy to be a successful treatment. However, we will continue our efforts to address the issues of efficacy, patient compliance and other unmet medical needs in the treatment of glaucoma in concert with leading independent researchers around the world.”

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.3 billion in 2008. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 60 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon’s majority shareholder is Nestle, S.A., the world’s largest food company. For more information on Alcon Inc., visit the company’s Web site at www.alcon.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the views of our management as of the date of this press release with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules an regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
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Tags: ALCON alternative delivery drug delivery technologies glaucoma intraocular pressure single injection

• “It is unclear whether local anesthetic eye drops can be safely used for the topical anesthesia of patients with minor corneal injury who are discharged from the emergency department (ED).”¹

Researchers from Mater Adults’ Hospital, Raymond TCE, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; have presented an article titled: “Management of Ocular Trauma in Emergency (MOTE) Trial: A pilot randomized double-blinded trial comparing topical amethocaine with saline in the outpatient management of corneal trauma.”

The scientists from South Brisbane, Queensland, have concluded:

• “Compared with saline drops, amethocaine eye drops are not definitely safe but they are effective for topical analgesia in minor corneal injury.”
• “Until further definitive studies, topical nonsteroidal agents or long-lasting artificial tears may be preferred for the topical analgesia of minor corneal injury.”
• “Return for corneal re-evaluation will necessarily remain suboptimal in an otherwise self-limiting condition, leading to a bias even if study recruitment is good.”

The researchers from South Brisbane have also noted:

• “To assess whether topical 0.4% amethocaine self-administered to a maximum recommended frequency of once every hour for 36-48 h is safe in the management of uncomplicated corneal injury in patients discharged from the ED.”
• “A pilot randomized double-blinded trial comparing topical 0.4% amethocaine with topical normal saline.”
• “Forty-seven subjects were recruited, with 22 randomized to receive amethocaine and 25 to receive placebo (normal saline).”
• “Baseline characteristics, including corneal injury type, were similar in both groups.”
• “There were no significant functional or clinical adverse sequelae in the majority of enrolled patients who could be contacted at 2 weeks (17/22 for amethocaine and 21/25 for placebo).”
• “Follow-up for the primary study outcome was suboptimal, with only 7/22 from the amethocaine group and 9/25 from the saline group presenting for 36-48 h review; there was a statistically nonsignificant trend for persistence of the corneal defect in the amethocaine group as compared with the saline group (2/7 and 1/9, respectively).”

(1) Ting JY, Barns KJ, Holmes JL: Management of Ocular Trauma in Emergency (MOTE) Trial: A pilot randomized double-blinded trial comparing topical amethocaine with saline in the outpatient management of corneal trauma. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2009 Jan;2(1):10-4.

Tags: amethocaine anesthesia artificial tears eye emergency treatment eye injury nonsteroidal agents